Peaces

by Helen Oyeyemi
Peaces cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Magical Realism
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Paperback • £8.99–£9.99 Hardback • £14.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1326
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780571366606
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2021-04-06
  • Formats: 8
  • Reviews: 4

Peaces follows Otto and Xavier Shin as they board a train that takes them on an unexpected and enchanting journey. The train's carriages hold more curiosity and intrigue than they could have imagined, leading them to question the nature of their surroundings and the people within it. As they delve deeper, they encounter Ava Kapoor and a man named Prem, whose roles on the train remain shrouded in mystery. The story unfolds like a series of Russian nesting dolls, with each revelation leading to another, blurring the lines between reality and the fantastical. The novel is praised for its intoxicating and singular style, with comparisons to the magical and maddening worlds created by the author in her previous works. The narrative weaves together elements of the past and present, creating a rich tapestry of intrigue and discovery. Readers are drawn into a world where nothing is as it seems, and every clue leads to another layer of mystery.

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

Harvard Review · 2021-08-13
disorienting 4.00

The book is disorienting but compelling, offering an absurdist meditation on relationships, identity, and sanity.

The reviewer describes 'Peaces' as a disorienting yet captivating read. They appreciate the novel's absurdist exploration of relationships, identity, and sanity, which makes it a unique and thought-provoking experience. The reviewer finds the writing compelling and believes the book is worth reading for its originality and depth. They acknowledge that the disorienting nature of the novel might not be for everyone, but those who appreciate absurdist fiction will find it particularly rewarding.

Quick quotes

    Peaces is often disorienting. An absurdist meditation on relationships, identity, and sanity, it is compellingly written and worth reading ...

    The novel's disorienting nature is part of its charm, making it a standout in contemporary literature.

    Those who appreciate absurdist fiction will find it particularly rewarding.

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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