Hotel Silence
This book was different. I liked the story of Jonas and the dilemma that he was facing. I felt that Jonas was a sincere individual who valued others. He put himself out for others which was a huge part of this novel. Jonas was a character who definitely grew in this novel and it thrilled me to see his potential emerge the more that I read. This novel had good characters, a solid foundation and it hit on some notable topics. As I read though, I was confronted with many side conversations and thoughts that randomly popped up. I felt these important ideas took away from the flow of the novel as I would sometimes have to stop and reread or analyze what I had just read. I was really enjoying the novel when I realized that I was just about finished with it. I was hoping the author would leave me on a good note but that ending, what was that all about?
Jonas is unsatisfied with his life. He would like to end his life but he doesn’t believe he has what he needs. Jonas seriously researches all aspects of killing himself. Jonas ponders how he can properly ask to borrow his neighbor’s gun without looking suspicious. His own death is starting to become a reality when Jonas realizes that he doesn’t want to leave his daughter Waterlily, with his unfinished business. Now, Jonas has a mission. He needs to get his affairs in order first. While cleaning, Jonas comes across some of his old diaries and Jonas’ mind is set in motion. Abruptly his plans changed and for once, I am hopeful. The scenery looks bleak but Jonas seems to have more pep in his step. Is this the same Jonas, who only days before, was ready to end his life?
I understood Jonas situation and his mentality. Viewing the world from his eyes, he needed something and he didn’t really discover it until he started to get his affairs in order. I was excited for him finally and I thought perhaps this is where he and his toolbox needed to be. I enjoyed the characters in the novel from his chatty mother, to his egocentric neighbor, to active May. I wished that I would have gotten to know his daughter more. I had a hard time with the many random sentences and ideas that seemed to pop up within the story, this was especially true at the beginning of the novel, as it was hard to follow exactly what was occurring as I read.
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley and Grove Atlantic in exchange for an honest review.
