Welcome to Litsy!

#AuldLangSpine @JamieArc @monalyisha
This was intense! This story of a woman grudgingly agreeing to take in her brother's girlfriend while he is away for a month is a unique blend of anxiety and passion. It explores what happens when personal space is violated both willingly and unwillingly. The descriptions of touches, racing thoughts/pulses, and other visceral sensations had a totally immersive effect: I often forgot I was reading a book.

Almost a bail: for the first 2 parts very little happened (except for some very steamy scenes) with characters I disliked. But then, the house! If you‘ve read the blurb about the book, you know it‘s the house that is the story. Just keep that in mind if you read the book and that it‘s set in 1961. It took my breath away when it all comes together—such a tearjerker. The house, the house, the house. #Netherlands #foodandlit

Here‘s my next audiobook! #foodandlit #Netherlands @Catsandbooks

12-3 Jan 25 (audiobook)
I knew nothing other than this was shortlisted for the 2024 Booker and acclaimed by other readers before starting this debut novel. Set in 1960s Netherlands, it is a story of repression, silence and complicity. I did see the ‘twist‘ coming quite early on but don‘t feel that spoiled it in any way.
Reparation is a topic that interests me greatly. So much of what we have was taken from someone else.

I thought this was one thing, then it wasn‘t, then it was again but in a completely different way. That probably doesn‘t make sense if you haven‘t read it but I don‘t want to spoil it for you. #FoodAndLit #Netherlands

A pick but with some “buts”. I loved chapter 6. I loved part III with Eva‘s journal that connected the book nicely for me. But a lot of the times I felt a bit distanced from it. I don‘t know how to express it any better than that.

This book is terrific! It tells the story of three siblings and the strange girl who enters their lives. Who is she and what is she doing in the midst of their lives? This is one of those books that makes you think, a feature I find to be few and far between. I did not see what was coming which made the story all the much better. Amazing character development and a twist. Highly recommend.

Currently reading 2 books with moody green covers. Have been noticing the use of green instead of blue that was everywhere a number of years ago.

Well, well, well— I finally see what you‘ve all been talking about here with The Safekeep. And I must say, for a majority of the book I did not, but then BAM, I was hooked. What a surprising and beautiful book with a setting perfect for the story. Unforgettable characters: Isabell, sister to two brothers who are left to reside in a provincial home after their mother‘s death. One of her brothers brings home a girl which changes everything.

#12Booksof2024 November

Honorable mentions:
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore
Monsters: What Do We Do With Great Art by Bad People? By Claire Dederer