I have now opened the fourth of the books included in my Advent calendar. Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart is the first book I have opened which has not been a crime title. It’s set in the very near future in an America which is near to collapse and it appears to be a love story. I have never heard of this book before nor of the writer. It’s published by Granta whose books are often a bit unusual. As far as I can see this is a novel that uses the imagined future to highlight the evils of the present which is quite common in this sort of story – think of Nineteen Eighty-Four, Farenheit 451 (see my review here)and The Handmaid’s Tale for some examples.
Although this is the sort of book that I might pick up and read for myself I am a little concerned about the quotations from reviewers on the cover that call this book “a ribald comic romp” and “hilarious”. Other people’s idea of what is funny and mine don’t always coincide and I tend to avoid books that others identify in this way. It is, however, a copy in good condition with an appealing cover so I will give it a try – after all I might really enjoy it. Part of the reason for this calendar is to read books I wouldn’t normally choose so I need to start it soon and see what I think.
Anne Is Reading 