Review of 'Elmet' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
I had been looking for an absorbing, escapist read. Last week The Economist reviewed this book, giving it a glowing review and noting that it was from a new author and longlisted for the Booker prize. It sounded interesting, and as a bonus was set in my new home of Yorkshire. It was released on Thursday, arrived Friday, and by Sunday I had finished reading it.
Early on I was skeptical. In addition to some overlong descriptions, I found a few typos or similar minor imperfections, though I enjoyed her prose style from the beginning—at times the rhythm and cadence reminded me of Virginia Woolf. But then I got my wish. The book sucked me in and spat me out when it was done with me. I tore through the last two thirds in a single sitting. It was both timeless and topical, dreamlike and hyperrealistic.
