Welcome to Litsy!

A brutal and raw novel that isn‘t for everyone. However, if you can handle it, pick it up.

A beautiful, brutal book about love, (kinky) sex, grief, war, violence, and art. I love Yuknavitch's writing, such raw use of language rooted in women's bodies. Above all the novel concludes that making art is the only refuge we have in the face of the world's atrocities, whether that means large scale military occupation or individual sexual assault. This is a fierce, difficult, but rewarding book. For fans of Kathy Acker and Jeanette Winterson.

"Who are we in moments of crisis or despair? Do we become deeper, truer selves, or lift up and away from a self, untethered from regular meanings like moths suddenly drawn to heat or light?"

This book took me by surprise. I was not expecting an intense, violent gut wrenching story about the intersections of art and war, violence and sex. It was a bit too violent for me in spots, but I understand why it was part of the narrative. If you like intense writing that can charge you up with depression and anger? 5/5 @24in48 I‘m abandoning my tbr stack and diving into something lighthearted and fun #24in48 I need a sea change after this one!

After a day that did not roll out as I had planned, all it took was a great book to put me back on track. This one was a last minute grab off the tbr shelf- wow! .. way better than I was expecting. I‘ve got 70 pages left but have decided to get some sleep @24in48 I‘ll be back at my #24in48 challenge in the morning!

One of the most wrenching books I've read this year. Lidia Yuknavitch is a new favorite.

The story is pretty painfully graphic and not for the faint of heart, but her writing is GORGEOUS.

#nowreading

I loved this book when I read it last year! I flew through it in mostly one sitting which is really unusual for me. Passing on the love for anyone else interested #blameLitsy #kindledeals

TW: violence and rape

Yuknavitch will destroy you. Her writing punches through my chest like falling through ice. I adored her memoir, The Chronology of Water, and her fiction is just as incredible.

Being a nonviolent person, I didn't so much #threwitacrosstheroom as I did #setasideinextremedisgust (sry abt grammar). I absolutely loved her memoir - every single woman/person needs to read it. This book, however, was a catastrophe. Historical and geographical inaccuracies abound (my pet peeves), tryhard artists, so much senseless graphic sex, a RIDICULOUS plot, all for the sake of Art. It was horrible and definitely not for me.
#photoadaynov16

This is such a well written book. Every piece of it feels intentional. The characters are flawed and compelling. The sad story unfolds with raw power. The hurt and pain that gets laid out on these pages is overwhelming but I couldn't stop reading. This is a book be experienced.

Just a few pages in but already getting caught up in this one. Enjoying it with a lively eggplant sandwich.

The long awaited journey with this book begins. Hope it's as good as I think.

#CouldntPutItDown - I read this all in one day and it completely took me off guard. The characters are not named but just The Writer, The Girl, The Photographer, etc. The Writer is mourning the loss of a child and connects with a picture a of child fleeing an explosion in a war torn country. Her obsession to save that one child becomes consuming. It is heartbreaking, but the beautiful language makes it compelling. TW: violence, rape

Feeling overly tired and stressed this week so I created a three day weekend for myself 💗 after a visit to my happy place Books Inc I've settled down with some chai tea and a cookie 📚🍵🍪 this is living

Now out in paperback -- photography, violence, war, sex. Reviewers note that it's a deeply emotional and rough novel that you'll not soon forget.

Lidia Yuknavit's writing is raw, emotional, very dark, and utterly beautiful though in this novel. Not a story if looking for a light, relaxing read. I'm going to be thinking about this for days. On to a lighter read, the Runaway Wife. #24in48

Taking a much needed break and went to get the mail. My quarterly box came😀 and I think it's time to snack on one of my special treat macaroons (best ones in Seattle) I picked earlier today as I listened to an audiobook. Hope #24in48 is going well for everyone!

Took myself out to lunch as I read. #24in48. The beginning of this novel is very heart wrenching and sad. I'm 9 hours in- finished one book, listened to an audiobook for awhile and Small Backs

Took myself out to lunch as I read. #24in48. The beginning of this novel is very heart wrenching and sad.

Took myself out to lunch as I read. #24in48. The beginning of this novel is very heart wrenching and sad.

After listening to a riveting interview with the author on Lit Up, I picked up these two Lidia Yuknavitch books. I am so blown away by the way she speaks about love & death & grief (so viscerally) & writing & art & identity & if we really are the roles that we fill or if we are more. Reading now!

Just picked up this book from the Calgary Public Library ... first time reading Ms Yuknavitch ... rain this weekend means time to read .... #lidiayuknavitch

An achingly beautiful book

Warning: this book will never leave your head.

moving, innovative, break-heart good.