See Now Then by Jamaica Kincaid

shelf-awareness.com · Unknown · 2025-09-24

profound 4.00

See Now Then by Jamaica Kincaid is a deeply introspective novel that explores the complexities of family life and personal reflection. The nonlinear narrative and stream-of-consciousness style create a rich, immersive experience that captures the essence of memory and time.

See Now Then by Jamaica Kincaid is a profound exploration of family dynamics and personal introspection. The novel's nonlinear structure and stream-of-consciousness style immerse the reader in the protagonist's thoughts and memories, offering a deep dive into the complexities of family life. The writing is poetic and evocative, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy introspective fiction. However, the lack of a traditional plot may challenge some readers. Overall, the book is a powerful and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the last page.

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The past is never dead. It's not even past.

The family is a microcosm of the world, a place where all the complexities of human relationships are played out.

Time is a river, and we are all floating downstream, trying to make sense of the currents.

londonreviewbookshop.co.uk · Unknown · 2024-08-08

profound 4.50

See Now Then by Jamaica Kincaid is a lyrical, interior meditation on time and memory by a neglected wife and mother. The novel blends the prosaic and the profound, offering a damning retaliation by a jilted wife with a balance of raw emotions and artistic shading.

See Now Then by Jamaica Kincaid is a deeply personal and lyrical exploration of time, memory, and the complexities of marriage. The novel follows Mrs. Sweet, a devoted but neglected wife and mother living in a small New England town. The story is a heartbroken housewife's lament, reminiscent of works by Gertrude Stein and Virginia Woolf, and reveals an intimate familiarity with other literary works like Nora Ephron's Heartburn and Evan S. Connell's Mrs. Bridge. Kincaid's protagonist, much like the author herself, reflects on her past and present, struggling to make sense of her life and the time she has devoted to her family. The novel beautifully balances the mundane details of domestic life with profound reflections on the nature of time and memory. Mrs. Sweet's musings are filled with raw emotions and bitterness, as she grapples with her husband's abandonment and the complexities of their relationship. The narrative is enriched by Kincaid's unique style, which blurs the lines between fact and fiction, past and present, creating a deeply moving and artistic portrayal of a woman's inner world.

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See Now Then reads as if Gertrude Stein and Virginia Woolf had collaborated on a heartbroken housewife's lament.

She knits, darns socks and cooks poached veal with tuna fish sauce (though her husband's tastes run to "toast Chernobyl" and instant coffee).

What's worse than being told that a relationship is over and a mate has moved on? "I never loved you.

blackiris.co · Unknown · 2024-02-13

intriguing 4.00

The review highlights Jamaica Kincaid's intricate and layered writing style in 'See Now Then', which explores complex themes of family, memory, and identity. The narrative's nonlinear structure and deep emotional resonance are praised, though some may find the plot thin.

Jamaica Kincaid's 'See Now Then' is a deeply introspective and beautifully written novel that delves into the complexities of family dynamics, memory, and personal identity. The nonlinear narrative structure is both challenging and rewarding, offering layers of meaning that unfold gradually. The emotional depth and richness of the characters are particularly noteworthy, though some readers might find the plot thin and the pacing uneven. The novel's exploration of the past and present, as well as its examination of the characters' inner lives, makes it a compelling read for those who appreciate literary fiction. The prose is intricate and evocative, capturing the nuances of human relationships and the passage of time.

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The novel's nonlinear structure is both challenging and rewarding

The emotional depth and richness of the characters are particularly noteworthy

The prose is intricate and evocative, capturing the nuances of human relationships and the passage of time.

npr.org · Unknown · 2013-02-05

profound 4.50

The reviewer found Jamaica Kincaid's 'See Now Then' to be a profound exploration of time and selfhood, anchored in the mundane details of a failing marriage. The novel's abstract musings are grounded in the everyday life of Mrs. Sweet, revealing the complexities of her disintegrating relationship and her struggle to find her true self.

Jamaica Kincaid's 'See Now Then' is a challenging yet rewarding novel that delves into the passage of time and the nature of selfhood. The story revolves around Mrs. Sweet, an immigrant from a small Caribbean island, and her failing marriage to Mr. Sweet. The novel lacks a traditional plot, focusing instead on the ordinary moments of Mrs. Sweet's life, which collectively reveal the larger story of her disintegrating marriage. The reviewer appreciated how Kincaid uses mundane details to ground abstract musings about time and identity. Mrs. Sweet's struggle to find her true self is a central theme, as she grapples with her past and the present. The novel's use of brand names and cultural references adds a rich layer of authenticity, making the characters feel real and grounded. By the end, Mrs. Sweet reaches a kind of equilibrium, making the journey of self-discovery and confrontation with fear a marvel to behold.

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Kincaid uses the form of the novel to illustrate the things that Mrs. Sweet could not see in her own life, flipping through the ordinary moments that make up Mrs. Sweet’s mostly sweet existence

That Mrs. Sweet often writes about her own childhood when she separates herself from her children is an irony that Kincaid returns to again and again.

To say that Mrs. Sweet conquers her terror is too pat a summary but by the end of the novel she has reached a kind of equilibrium.

See Now Then

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