A review by laurenleigh
Drive Your Plow over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk

challenging dark emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

If I had to pick one word to describe this novel, it’d be “weird.” It’s a kind of weird that, as the first chapter title suggests, makes you pay attention. Why are all these random words capitalized? Where are we? Who is this narrator? Some questions get answered, but plenty do not. It was overall a very unique experience, unlike anything else I’ve ever read. Though it wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, I totally understand why it’s won so many awards. The murder mystery plot line seems to be highlighted in many reviews, but I think that part of the story is by far secondary to the heart of the novel. The brilliance of Tokarczuk is in how she meticulously highlights and expands upon the unspoken but important tiny details of life, aging, and nature. She finds these moments or emotions that we all experience and hits the exact right words to describe them, again in a totally singular fashion. My favorite observation of hers was of “Anger.” How it sparks a blaze within that immediately brightens a path and makes everything seem crystal clear, but then when it burns out, you’re left with a cold void which grief or sadness almost inevitably fills. If you’re in the mood for something completely different, pick this up!
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