Favourite Read of 2023 - Already!

TL;DR

"Sagoya Nagamatsu's 'How High We Go in the Dark' is a captivating and connected short story collection, exploring loss, hope, and human connections during a Sci-Fi pandemic universe."

Transcript

welcome to 2023 now I don't want you to get any ideas that this is part of some New Year's resolve to start posting videos on a regular schedule it's just I think I may have found my favorite read of 2023 already although in the spirit of full transparency technically I did finish this in December but after I finished shooting my video favorite rea... Read More

Key Insights

• ✋ "How High We Go in the Dark" is a captivating debut novel that combines a connected short story structure with themes of loss, grief, and hope.
• 👶 The book rewards attentive reading, with each chapter introducing new characters and places while maintaining connections to the previous chapters.
• 👻 It explores the humanization of death, allowing readers to sit with the grieving process and contemplate mortality.
• 🫵 The futuristic elements of the book offer a cynical view of capitalism and commercialism in a pandemic-stricken world.
• 🕶️ It balances dark themes with moments of bittersweetness and human connection.
• 🏛️ The book encourages meaningful relationships and highlights the importance of building communities during challenging times.
• 🥰 Despite its pandemic setting, the book focuses on love, optimism, and moving forward.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes "How High We Go in the Dark" different from other short story collections?

Unlike most short story collections, the stories in "How High We Go in the Dark" are connected, following a set of characters who eventually converge, creating a complete and intricate narrative.

Q: How does the book explore the themes of loss and grief?

The book takes place in the midst of a larger pandemic, serving as a backdrop for meditations on loss and grief. These themes are presented through various characters and their personal experiences, offering a deep exploration of the human experience.

Q: Does the book offer any hopeful elements despite its dark themes?

Yes, "How High We Go in the Dark" is not mired in sadness. It explores themes of hope, love, and optimism, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of challenging circumstances.

Q: How does the book incorporate elements of Sci-Fi?

The book presents a futuristic world affected by the pandemic, revealing the impact of capitalism and commercialism on the grieving process. It also includes imaginative concepts such as funerary skyscrapers, mortuary cryptocurrency, and euthanasia theme parks.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "How High We Go in the Dark" is a collection of connected short stories that follows a discrete set of characters scattered over time and place, creating a complete and compelling picture.

• The book explores loss and grief in the midst of a larger pandemic, offering meditations on the human experience and the power of love.

• It features elements of Sci-Fi, with futuristic portrayals of capitalism, commercialism, and the grieving process in a world affected by a deadly global pandemic.