Briefly Noted Book Reviews
Briefly

The novels explore different dimensions of longing and redemption. In "The Book of Records" by Madeleine Thien, Lina, an 11-year-old girl, escapes from flooding in China and finds herself in a surreal place known as the Sea, filled with stories of renowned historical figures. These narratives shape her experiences as she grapples with nostalgia and loss. In "The River Is Waiting" by Wally Lamb, a father's remorse after a tragic car accident unfolds in prison, questioning the concepts of punishment and parental regret. Both novels delve into deep emotional landscapes.
"Other centuries were falling down on us like rain through the trees," she muses.
"A person is not what they know, a person is what they yearn for."
The novel chips away at foundational questions about punishment and parental identity following a tragic accident.
The immersive narrative explores themes of longing for lost homes and futures.
Read at The New Yorker
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