This
is the most unusual novel I have read in ages. It has quirky
characters, unbelievable group therapy sessions, drugged zombies, and
a disjointed plot. Yet I found the novel compelling reading.
Megan
meets Henry at a poetry reading. He is very, very odd yet she finds
herself captivated by him. He is drawn to her and soon they are a
couple in a dysfunctional sort of way. When she forgets to take her
birth control pills, Megan becomes pregnant. After a stormy time of
relationship, Amelia is born. It becomes quickly apparent that Amelia
has some of the same odd behavior traits of her father. Perhaps group
therapy will help her adapt to the world better than her father was
able to do.
This
novel is a look at people who don't fit into the normal categories in
society. Henry hears voices, writes poetry no one understands but
everyone applauds, doesn't feel cold, gets up and leaves at odd hours
and disappears for days. Some call him a genius. But are all geniuses
in some way crazy?
It was interesting to read how Amelia tackles life in the light of her
odd father. She found “normal” life boring. Because of her
government support, she attends group therapy and there meets more
misfits of society. But are they really such misfits? Aren't we all
unusual in some way?
There
are serious themes explored in this quirky novel. One is family.
Because of his odd behavior, Henry has been practically disowned by
his socially correct parents. At one point he says, “This is what
you and I do, Mother. We hurt each other. That is how we know we are
still family. When we lose the power to hurt one another, well, then
we will just be strangers.” (36) There could be good discussion
around that issue.
But
perhaps the major theme is what it means to be normal and accepted so
in society. Amelia could not be normal yet wanted to function in
society. A brilliant young woman, she was studying Joan of Arc for an
advanced degree. But she just could not get on the right bus to her
destination. Taking a different bus was so less boring. She is told,
“You can still be singularly unique, and yet do the things that the
rest of the world does.” (168) There is another good point of
discussion.
I
recommend this novel to readers who enjoy the unusual. You'll find
unusual characters and social interactions. Unusual humor and
tenderness. Unusual topics to discuss. You'll find pure quirky
entertainment.
You
can read an excerpt here.
I am taking part in a blog tour of this book. Click here to view the 'The Nearly Girl by Lisa de Nikolits' Tour Participants.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Lisa
de Nikolits is originally from South Africa and has lived in Canada
since 2000. She is an IPPY Awards Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals
winner. Her short fiction and poetry has been published in various
anthologies and journals. This is her sixth novel. She lives and
writes in Toronto. You can find out more at her website, follow her on Twitter and Facebook.Book Details:
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
Published by: Inanna Publications
Publication Date: October 2016
Number of Pages: 301
ISBN: 1771333138 (ISBN13: 9781771333139)
Purchase Links: Amazon, GoodReads, Inanna.
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