milkfed's reviews
54 reviews

“We talk about love like it's an involuntary act. We fall into love, like a hole, a puddle, an elevator shaft. We never step mindfully into love. Love we seem to think, requires a loss of control; love necessitates that vertiginous giving over to gravity; love wants you to have no choice.”

A Certain Hunger is a satire novel that tells the story of Dorothy Daniels, an intelligent food critic, serial killer and cannibal. She tells her story from jail where she professes her love for sex, food, and eating her lovers. If you're squeamish, pass on this. If you're into wildly weird grotesque books, this is for you.

“If you want something and can't have it, want something else. Want what you deserve. You'll probably get it.”

Homesick for Another World takes readers on different journeys with the characters in this book who depict different forms of the human condition. Each story and each character is sad and grotesque. She describes their filthy habits and disturbing personalities. If you appreciate complex characters and story lines, this is the book for you.

Moshfegh's writing speaks to me on a multitude of levels. Her writing is not for the faint hearted. I'm sure other enraged, unhinged girlies can agree with me on this. Homesick for Another World felt lighter than her other books, yet it still left me feeling unsteady and uneasy as a reader. I like feeling uncomfortable when I read and crave the escapism that Moshfegh creates for her readers.

I’ve been anticipating this read for months. As a Moshfegh stan, I had high expectations and Lapvona exceeded them. Readers who are familiar with Moshfegh’s books know that she’s a master at writing haunting and delicious prose. This book was disturbing. It was a mindfuck. It sent me into a deep existential crisis, forcing me to question our existence, our religious views, faiths, morals, and values. Lapvona has heavy themes of seasons/ weather, religion, violence, wealth, and corruption. The ending will leave you restless and desperate for companionship. This is her most brilliant piece of literature to date.

I have so much more to say, but I don't want to spoil it! Can we join forces and create a bookclub about this book please?

Dostoyevsky captures the essence of fleeting, ephemeral love against the backdrop of St. Petersburg’s hauntingly beautiful white nights. The novella, written in a style that is both poetic and introspective, delves into the psyche of the unnamed narrator, a dreamer whose life is characterized by solitude and fantasy. The protagonist's encounter with Nastenka, a young woman who brings color to his monochromatic existence, is a poignant exploration of human connection, longing, and the pain of unfulfilled desires. Dostoyevsky’s ability to convey deep emotional currents through simple, yet profound, dialogues and monologues is nothing short of genius, leaving readers reflecting on the delicate balance between reality and dreams.

What makes this book particularly compelling is its timeless relevance. Despite being set in the 19th century, the themes of loneliness and the search for meaningful relationships resonate deeply with contemporary readers. Dostoyevsky's keen insight into human nature, coupled with his evocative descriptions of St. Petersburg’s nocturnal beauty, creates a narrative that is both immersive and thought-provoking. The novella’s melancholic tone, contrasted with moments of fleeting joy, mirrors the complexities of real-life relationships, making it a deeply moving read that lingers long after the final page.

An intimate, unfiltered glimpse into the tumultuous love triangle between Nin, Henry Miller, and his wife, June. Based on Nin’s diaries, the book is a raw and candid exploration of desire, creativity, and the intricacies of human relationships. Nin’s prose is lush and lyrical, painting vivid portraits of her passionate encounters and emotional turmoil. Her introspective narrative style allows readers to delve into her psyche, experiencing the intensity of her emotions and the complexity of her moral dilemmas.

Nin's portrayal of her relationship with Henry and the enigmatic June goes beyond mere recounting of events; it delves into the transformative power of love and art. Her reflections on her own identity, the conflict between societal norms and personal desires, and the nature of infidelity are both daring and thought-provoking.