Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein - Review - Booker Prize Long List 2023

[@silverrune17]

I really appreciate your very incisive review of this book. My son highly recommended it and discussing it afterwards was delicious. Trying to figure out how it made you feel and plumbing the depths of her many thoughts on her family and it’s history and being “other.” I read it in a day as I could not put it down. Uncomfortable but exquisitely written. I loved the characters thoughts on word themselves. I agree it is not a book for everyone and I would rate it highly but love is not a word I could use to describe my feeling towards this book. Intense, fascinating and the reader struggles to deal with this tortured, repressed, conflicted narrator that tells her story in such a controlled “matter-of-fact” way. Very good review! Thank you

[@SupposedlyFun]

When you summoned Ottessa Moshfegh I was pretty convinced I would be passing on this book, but the more you talked about it the more I became weirdly curious. Definitely not going to run out and grab it because I also like a novel with plot, but I am a bit intrigued.

[@flufftronable]

Would be interested in your take on Andrew Miller's Ingenious Pain.

[@terileekline]

Loved it! I hope it wins!

[@Jananav]

I just finished and came looking for someone to shed some light on why this is a Booker longlister. Well done! And I love your comparison to the movies mentioned. I’ll think about it some more…

[@mantroog]

Thanks!

[@rororeads]

Thank you!

[@MercysBookishMusings]

I enjoy horror films but can't watch most a24 horror films. They make me feel so depressed which is odd because most of the films I love are depressing but a24 just take it to another level 😅 so now I'm worried I may not enjoy this one but I'm still going to give it a go - fingers crossed! Another great review 👍

[@jesssmith1352]

I really enjoyed this one, I think you have summed it up brilliantly.

[@cmleidi]

I agree with you that the tone and atmosphere are the biggest assets of the books. I kept reading and I was never bored even when I didn't quite know what was happening/what would happen. The ending just let me down because it felt as if it were building to something that it didn't quite achieve. I also think the book does a very good job of dealing with antisemitism is a surprising and effective way.

[@joangavrilik3009]

I totally agree that this one deserves to be on the long list - I found it unputdownable. There is a lot packed into this little book. I like that what the book is ostensibly about turns out not to be the real focus of the book in the end (at least in my opinion). I would note that the physical book is really well done and enhanced the reading experience for me.

[@flufftronable]

I loved this book, really reminded me of Shirley Jackson.

[@dqan7372]

Ok, I'm intrigued now. Looking forward to future editions of "Is it Better Than Demon Copperhead".

[@jshasan865]

The only question I have after the book , why¿ how¿ this book was shortlisted

[@KDbooks]

0:08 - I need this as a email alert

[@rororeads]

😂

[@benreadsgood]

I just finished this one and I just didn’t get it at all. I feel so dumb! I do wonder if a second read, knowing it goes nowhere and explains nothing, might be more rewarding.

[@rororeads]

Yeah, as mentioned in the review I feel like it’s a love it or hate book. Not sure if a second read would be that fruitful (maybe it would). Don’t feel dumb! Just not for you mate. Tonally I loved this, and it forced me to think about a myriad of ways it reflects into contemporary society and otherness without actually saying anything concrete. To some it’s just gonna be a book that goes nowhere, both justified responses. You have now made me think about books that are better from a second read. That would be an interesting list.

[@janethansen9612]

A dark fairy tale with Blair Witch vibes. The writing style drew me in.

[@alysa6642]

What are some other A24 novels?

[@rororeads]

That’s a good question…I’ll have a think to put together a list :)

[@LornaGreenwood]

I didn't get on with this and it wasn't because of the writing style it was more because I couldn't understand the protagonist. I understood it's about the othering of women or this woman but I found her so strange that I couldn't quite get hold of her voice.

[@TheSalMaris]

Good reviews sans Yankee caps. Try Oriels instead.

[@jimsbooksreadingandstuff]

"Proper Marmite-y territory"

[@spexi513]

I assumed Demon Copperhead wouldn’t be on list bc it’s “won too much” 🙄, but hoped Burnam Wood would be. I’ve shamefully read none of longlist, but this 📕 was one of the ones that initially intrigued me bc of subject matter, but the no plot vibes I’ve heard about since decreased my interest. Blahdiggityblah, appreciate the review! 📖🪱💚