The Long Form

This book is quite a challenging read, blending essays on literary criticism, motherhood, and a fictional narrative following the lives of Helen and Rose. Its unique structure eschews a linear timeline, instead opting to jump around in time, much like the unpredictability of real life. This approach complements the author's fascination with the concept of time, especially in the long form of novels. While there were quite a few stunning books on motherhood published in 2023, this story stands out in its parallel exploration of the art of writing, translating into themes of motherhood and childrearing. It's a unique and genius approach, in my opinion.
Though the book can feel lengthy and chaotic at times, and I may have missed some moments of introspection, I ultimately enjoyed reading it. If you're seeking something more experimental and challenging, I recommend picking up this book!

Regarding the audiobook, I found some of the narrator's pronunciations to be a little drawn out for my taste and I wasn't particularly fond of it, But overall, it provided a satisfactory experience. Given the sporadic nature of the book and its frequent delve into topics like literary theory and philosophy, it's necessary to stay attentive while listening, otherwise you miss out on important details.
4.00 stars/5

A big thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.