When looking for new books to read I often make use of Amazon’s Look Inside feature. I read the first few pages and note down the details of those books that intrigue me. Many months ago I noted a book in this way, but now, with Christmas approaching, I cannot find or remember the details. This was some time ago and I only read the first few pages, so I don’t have much to go on, but I am hoping someone may be able to help.
As I recall, the story starts with a girl/young woman, perhaps waking up, and I believe she goes for a walk (perhaps in a garden or a forest). I think she also has a sister and the two of them live with their father. I think that they are isolated, and I have an image of a wall keeping everyone else out.
So that’s it. Does this ring any bells with anyone? Does anyone recognise the book and, if so, is it indeed worth reading?
The Sturgeon novel does not have Look Inside on Amazon at the moment, so I can’t check, but I strongly suspect that is the book I had in mind. Thank you so much for your help. Presumably you have read the book, to have recognised it from my meagre information. Is it any good?
Wow, if that turns out to be it then it will be the first time in nine years that I’ve successfully identified anything in one of these threads.
I picked up More Than Human on a whim at the library about a month ago. I found it to be extremely strange, though not badly written. The story is told from the perspectives of several very odd characters. This is off-putting at first, but the plot does progress in an interesting way, and explores the idea of a gestalt consciousness. I gather it was quite groundbreaking when it was published in 1953.
I’d recommend it, with the caveat that it isn’t the easiest read.
Great, thanks. My current and next reads are Pale Fire and The Recognitions, so not being the easiest read isn’t a problem at all. Also, “told from the perspectives of several very odd characters” sounds like just the sort of thing I’d like. Thanks again for your help.