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georgiarybanks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
booklane's review
4.0
I truly enjoyed the Secret Box, featuring three stories from a collection by Latvian writer Daina Tabuna shortlisted in the Best Debut category of the 2015 Latvian Literary Awards.
The stories give a glimpse of life in Post-Soviet Latvia suspended between old new, and are unique each in its own way. They are also stories of coming-of-age as a young woman and explore the the shaping (and questioning) of new values and new identities.
1) Deals with God is the story of a little girl growing up in an age where religion and spirituality find their way into society after decades of suppression. The young protagonist is confronted with different ideas of God, from the stern God of her grandmother Baba, her own feminist interpretation, and more institutionalised views. At the same time, we see how spiritual messages mix with advertising messages and materialistic desires in a society that is embracing capitalism.
2) The Secret Box features brother and sister at the time of their parents’ divorce as they move into a new small apartment and new school. The girl starts a paper doll collection and involves her brother in the play, which is a secret because of the expectations of macho culture. This is a brilliant exploration of power dynamics and gender and identity roles.
3) The Spleen, My Favourite Organ, is a dark, funny and powerful exploration of coming-of-age, loneliness, and alienation. It features wonderful female main character and supporting cast that are reminiscent of the best Gogolian tradition.
I also loved specific details such as the interiors (and objects such as the Zenith camera, I used to own one!), which make the period portrait even more convincing.
I am thankful to Emma Press for the review copy and for bravely bringing us this little gem in English translation. We need more like this!
The stories give a glimpse of life in Post-Soviet Latvia suspended between old new, and are unique each in its own way. They are also stories of coming-of-age as a young woman and explore the the shaping (and questioning) of new values and new identities.
1) Deals with God is the story of a little girl growing up in an age where religion and spirituality find their way into society after decades of suppression. The young protagonist is confronted with different ideas of God, from the stern God of her grandmother Baba, her own feminist interpretation, and more institutionalised views. At the same time, we see how spiritual messages mix with advertising messages and materialistic desires in a society that is embracing capitalism.
2) The Secret Box features brother and sister at the time of their parents’ divorce as they move into a new small apartment and new school. The girl starts a paper doll collection and involves her brother in the play, which is a secret because of the expectations of macho culture. This is a brilliant exploration of power dynamics and gender and identity roles.
3) The Spleen, My Favourite Organ, is a dark, funny and powerful exploration of coming-of-age, loneliness, and alienation. It features wonderful female main character and supporting cast that are reminiscent of the best Gogolian tradition.
I also loved specific details such as the interiors (and objects such as the Zenith camera, I used to own one!), which make the period portrait even more convincing.
I am thankful to Emma Press for the review copy and for bravely bringing us this little gem in English translation. We need more like this!
nell216's review
4.0
I really enjoyed these short stories. Stories about growing up, tinged with melancholy about what is being left behind.
clairebonello's review
5.0
The Secret Box was my favourite of the three. Highly recommended short stories.
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