Publisher: Pushkin Press
Publishing date: 3rd June 2021
Gifted a digital copy from the publishing team for honest review and part of blog tour. Many thanks
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review
I absolutely loved this book and could relate to Ida in a few different ways and fully sympathised with some of her frustrations and worries about life. This is a short book which I devoured in one sitting and translated from Norwegian to English. It did make me ponder did the translation and language allow the words to become raw on page. Therefore I don't want to give too much away in my review and spoil it for others.
Ida is the protagonist, a 40 year old single woman who is fighting not only her demons but the worlds expectations of where she should be in life sit heavily n her shoulders. Ida is getting so caught up how she wants her ideal life to be that at times she forgets whats around her.
The story starts with Ida and her family going on a super awkward retreat to a cabin to celebrate their mother's birthday. We get to meet Martha, Ida sister and instantly the sibling rivalry oozes off the pages. They do the upmost to gain their mothers approval. At times you do get annoyed that she undermines her sister but also sympathise with her as you understand the internal challenges Ida is facing. Martha along with her partner and his/her children drops some news that seems to shatter the sisters relationship further.
There is an added touch as you follow Ida on her tinder dates but again this adds another element to Ida's story as she is battling loneliness and poor self esteem. Another worry Ida has is will she ever become a mother and contemplates freezing her eggs.
As I said at the start I can begin to say how I loved this book and will be re-reading it. The author did a brilliant job highlighting some important issues such as fertility, loneliness and mental health and making Ida relatable.
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