Book Review: Block Seventeen by Kimiko Guthrie

Have you ever read a strange book? A strange book when you don't know whether you like it or not; or you don't really understand what going on, so you find it a little tiring but you don't want to leave it unfinished {Even though you are a very impatient reader} because it's quirky and there's something about the writing style and storytelling that grip you. That kind of book! Well, this book was a difficult read in the beginning. But I am so glad I stayed patient while reading 'Block Seventeen' because it turned out to be a striking, mysterious and very engrossing read. It opens with a woman and then a little girl remembering their 'first memory'. And, when I finished I felt a sense of loss.

Akiko (A Japanese-American) aka Jane's mother is missing. Well, not missing, as she appears only online and it bothers Akiko. Not satisfied by her texts or voice messages, Akiko frantically looks for her mother but is unable to find her. Meanwhile she is struggling with some strange events in her apartment. Block Seventeen is also about Akiko's relationship with her fiance, Shiro___it's about their love, understanding, their future as a married couple and the struggles. 

Apart from Akiko's story, set in 2012, the book also tells a story of a little girl, set in 1937-1943, with a backdrop of World War. This story appears infrequently for short moments but it's important, kind of the gist of the story.

As I said, there's something about the writing style ___it's, as the blurb says, melodic. It creates vivid imagery. The characters are so distinctly different and significant, even though they appear for a brief moment. Be it Jichan, or Bachan or Aunt Michi or Jane's dad. The narration so engaging, and after certain point, it turns unreliable and that makes you curious, and the story somehow unpredictable. 

Overall, it was a good read and I'm glad I read it. It's a beautiful story told in a smart manner. It's poignant and heartbreaking (Yet hopeful). The ending is satisfying, an apt closure to this unique tale.


Thank you Netgalley for the Advance Review Copy.