Book Review the Storied Life of Aj Fikry

April 17, 2022 Post a Comment

A. J. Fikry'southward life is not at all what he expected it to exist. He lives solitary, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over--and run across everything anew.

Reasons to Read

After discovering Booktube a few years agone I constitute that many channels were recommending this book as a "must read" for book lovers. I had read a YA fiction novel past Zevin a couple of years ago which was okay but certainly not my favorite so I was hesitant to pick this upwards or to add it to whatever of my monthly tbr's. All I can say at present is you have to pick this book upwardly. The writing is beautiful, the characters are astonishing and if you love potent narratives with strong literary connections this is the book for you! Here are some reasons to read The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry:

The Abundance of Literature

AJ Fikry at it's very core is a love letter to literature. This is shown throughout the novel particularly when he loses a very of import work from Edgar Allen Poe which he hoped to use to retire with his late wife. In short pages at the beginning of each affiliate, every bit Fikry reads a novel he offers a curt blurb or synopsis for his girl on his thoughts and feelings well-nigh each book. I found this very telling of his want to pass on the love of literature to her. In add-on to this, his friendships with many of the locals, especially Lambaise (the local police chief who had a passion for mystery novels) and their friendship and literary connections throughout the novel. They connect via books that develops into an incredibly strong friendship. Even as Fikry falls in love with Amelia (his bookseller) books and literature proceed to be an intrical office of their relationship.

"All I can say is . . . All I can say is we'll figure it out, I swear. When I read a book, I desire yous to be reading it at the same fourth dimension. I want to know what would Amelia remember of it. I desire you to exist mine. I tin hope you books and conversation and all my heart, Amy."

Diversity

What I found interesting is how various this novel actually was. Going into it, I was unaware of this merely I experience information technology is an important element to highlight. Fikry is of Indian descent which is loosely illustrated when characters discuss how different he looks from anybody else, especially when he adopts a girl that was left in the bookstore. Maya is African American and her personal issues with identity (both beingness a person of colour and issues of abandonment) are of great importance to the her equally a graphic symbol.

The Interconnectedness of Humanity

The narrative as a whole is very well though out and the interconnectedness of the characters and overall theme are done so beautifully. If you bask stiff character development, great relationships and what information technology is to be a human you will dearest this story! In that location are and then many instances of this in how AJ loses his prized possession (a rare Poe artifact) and where it ultimately shows up, the deep pain and joy that ebbs and flows betwixt many of Fikry's family unit and acquaintances and the overwhelming power of living a cute, glorious life.

The Beauty in Grief

Finally, the story of AJ Fikry really demonstrates how closely grief and joy are then inextricably linked. Loss is expressed in this novel in many forms–loss of spouse, loss of dreams, of the life yous recall you ought to live, that your entitled to, loss of community and ultimately loss of self. But joy comes too.

I know that much of what I have discussed seems quite vague only just know that you should get into this story as bullheaded equally possible, it may affect you differently than information technology has me but y'all cannot discount that this beautiful story will affect you in someway–whether positively or negatively. Definitely one of Zevin'southward crowning achievements.

Give this book lovers but besides to people you truly, deeply dear.

Then, have you read this? What is your favorite book for book lovers?