Peaces

by Helen Oyeyemi
Peaces cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Magical Realism
Technical:
  • ID: 1326
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-10-04
  • ISBN: 9780571366606
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2021-04-06
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99

Peaces, by the acclaimed author of 'Boy, Snow, Bird' and 'What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours', is a mesmerizing exploration of identity, love, and the unexpected. The novel follows Otto and Xavier Shin as they board a mysterious train that seems to defy the laws of reality. Each carriage they explore reveals more about the train's secrets and the passengers within, including the intriguing Ava Kapoor and the elusive Prem. The story unfolds like a series of Russian nesting dolls, with each revelation leading to another, blurring the lines between past and present./n/nThe narrative is a testament to Oyeyemi's signature style, blending the mundane with the magical to create a world that is both familiar and fantastical. Peaces is not just a story about a journey; it's an exploration of the human condition, wrapped in a tale of intrigue and discovery. As the Shins delve deeper into the train's mysteries, they uncover truths about themselves and the world around them, making this a novel that lingers long after the last page is turned.

Reviews
Bookishly Abroad · 2022-08-04
fantastic 4.75

Oyeyemi's work rejects the label of magical realism, inviting readers to suspend their disbelief and explore the extra-fictional elements.

The reviewer notes that Helen Oyeyemi's 'Peaces' defies the label of magical realism, instead embracing an extra-fictional approach. This means the author asks readers to temporarily set aside their preconceived notions and immerse themselves in the story's unique world. They find this approach refreshing and believe it adds depth to the narrative. The reviewer also appreciates the novel's exploration of relationships, identity, and sanity, which they find compelling and thought-provoking. They suggest that 'Peaces' is a book that rewards readers who are willing to take a leap of faith and engage with its unconventional storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Oyeyemi rejects the label of magical realism in favour of extra-fictional, asking or rather compelling, her reader to temporarily suspend their ...

    Truly, God bless Helen Oyeyemi . . . This is a playful book, but it's also a profoundly unsettling one.

    The case for Oyeyemi seems to rest on three key points: that she is a precocious original; that she subverts fairy tales; that she writes ...

The Guardian · 2021-11-03
intriguing 4.00

The novel works best when read without trying to solve its mysteries, instead embracing its exuberance. It is a disorienting but compelling read.

The reviewer suggests that 'Peaces' is at its best when you stop trying to unravel its complexities and simply enjoy the ride. They find the book to be a whirlwind of creativity and energy that keeps you engaged. The reviewer also notes that the disorienting nature of the novel adds to its charm, making it a compelling read despite its absurdity. They appreciate the author's ability to create a world that feels both strange and familiar, inviting readers to suspend their disbelief and immerse themselves in the story.

Quick quotes

    On a first read, Peaces works best when you stop trying to solve it, and instead surrender to that exuberance.

    The whole novel is quite unnerving, and it's due in large part to Oyeyemi's choice to conceal the truth, to keep you interested, eager to ...

    An absurdist meditation on relationships, identity, and sanity, it is compellingly written and worth reading

Chicago Review of Books · 2021-04-07
excellent 4.50

The novel is unnerving due to its concealing of the truth, which keeps the reader engaged and eager to uncover more.

The reviewer points out that 'Peaces' is a disconcerting novel, primarily because of Helen Oyeyemi's choice to keep the truth hidden. This decision adds a layer of intrigue and keeps the reader on edge, constantly wanting to know more. They suggest that this technique is effective in maintaining the reader's interest throughout the story. The reviewer also highlights the novel's compelling writing, which makes it a worthwhile read despite its unsettling nature. They appreciate the author's ability to create a narrative that is both thought-provoking and engaging.

Quick quotes

    The whole novel is quite unnerving, and it's due in large part to Oyeyemi's choice to conceal the truth, to keep you interested, eager to ...

    This is a brilliant, wise, strange and, above all, beautiful novel.

    Charming! Sweet! The book gives the impression that the world is just like this, and we won't get anywhere by making a fuss about it, so we ...

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