On the calculation of volume book 1 — Solvej Balle

A highly unusual concept, but the writing in this novel seemed to make it float by, which I think brilliantly capture how the protagonist felt. She was an incredibly real main character who felt like a friend confiding in me. While letting myself be carried along by it, I tried to also stop once in a while and think about how the writer was doing it. I think that, like with Vonnegut, this was partly achieved through the level of detail on small things (without going to excess like he does).

I'm nervous about following the rest in the series, because I think this book was perfect in itself and I'm not sure I want to stretch it out further — but I also really want to read more from this author. So, I'll see how the mood takes in in '26.

Highly recommend.

Shadow ticket — Thomas Pynchon

This is my first Pynchon novel, so it came as a bit of a surprise. But apparently, reading up about it afterwards, this is what you can expect. I really liked the writing, but it took me a while to figure out I wasn't crazy, the book was. It slips genres, times, and seems to make little sense until it kind of does. But it's a hugely pleasurable ride. It shows how a confident writer can carry the reader with them through the most incredibly journey.

There is no antimimetics division - qntm

Not often I'd describe a novel as astounding, but I have to roll that word out here. The concept, the execution, everything. This is speculative fiction that will tie your brain in knots and leave you thinking about it long after. Highly recommend.

Exit music - Ian Rankin

I love Rankin's writing. A quiet confidence without flashiness or ego. A true pro at work. I love the character he has created in Rebus too. The only downside, which Ian says himself, is he accelerated too fast through Rebus's life, so he got to retirement age long before the world was ready to stop reading about him. And that means the later novels have become a bit like a Status Quo farewell tour. Always some aspect in which Rebus is stepping away... but we know he'll be back (and we know we'll want to read it).

A spy by nature — Charles Cumming

This month was, let's just say, turbulent. As a result I think I must have listened to this audiobook on autopilot and honestly can't really remember much. No doubt if I dipped into it again it'd all come back. But Cumming is an accomplished professional so I'm sure it was absorbing and clever!