8 Lives of a Century-Old Trickster

I’ll come right out and say it: this is one of the most fascinating books I’ve read this year. It won’t suit every reader: its non-linear narrative and a heavy subject matter mean it’s not a beach read. (Unless your beach reads involve two wars and women carving a life for themselves out of the wreckage of what once was. If that’s the case, this book and the nearest body of water are calling your name.) For those who want a powerful story, however, this book is ideal.

The framing story is about an obituary writer who comes across the century-old trickster while interviewing another woman. She asks one of her standard questions—how would you describe your life in three words?—only to receive more than she bargained for. Not only does the woman say she would need eight words to describe her life, but the story she tells is one of remarkable odds and adversity.

Lee’s first novel is an incredible story, understated and powerful at once. I eagerly devoured it and can’t wait to see what she writes next.