Janina Matthewson

I knew from page one that this book would remain with me, long after I had put down my e-reader, when finished. I have been trying to think of a way to summarise this novel, while giving it the credit it deserves. This was a beautiful book -- Matthewson has used a magical realist style to represent loss in many forms. Characters literally lose their job, their sense of direction, the walls they've hidden behind, even each other.
"Mrs Featherby had been having pleasant dreams until she woke to discover the front of her house had vanished overnight." This is the amazing first line of Janina Matthewson's debut novel, 'All Things Gone Astray'. This novel takes the term 'loss' quite literally and works it into individual stories, gently interlinked, while using the power of the written word to express fear, grief and impossibility.
Each character is encountering a surreal change, brought on by their individual losses, and through short chapters, the author slowly lets these events unfold. I was surprised to find myself identifying with these people, even though there were so many. They dealt with the losses, and their acceptance of their new worlds, and I was willing them to find the truth and meaning within themselves, rather than searching for the original loss.
It's easily readable, with short chapters, and a gentle, nostalgic style. Matthewson uses an interweaving of the stories of each person who has lost something. I was right on the verge of giving it 5 stars, but I found the ending rushed. While it was clear what Matthewson was going for, I felt that she needed more words to do it. I was also a bit disappointed by Marcus's development; most of the characters were well-developed, but he felt like there was a lot going on that was never articulated to the reader. There needed to be MORE, here.... But what, I could not tell you.
Still absolutely worth reading; the characters are interesting and generally well-drawn, their growth not confined to being a 'happy ending' for everyone, and the dreamlike world is entrancing. If you appreciate good writing, extremely beautiful prose and a imaginative talent within your reading material, then this is for you. Simply put, it is strange but stunning. A literary gem.
4.5 stars, and a hearty recommendation.… (més)