The novel showcases the subjectivity of stories through multiple perspectives and stories-within-stories, revealing different facets of Prague and complex interpersonal dynamics.
This review emphasizes how the novel uses a book within the book, 'Paradoxical Undressing,' to explore the idea that stories are perceived differently by each reader, reflecting subjective realities. The characters’ intertwined histories and the mysterious violence introduced by one character add layers of suspense and moral complexity. The city of Prague itself is portrayed as a multifaceted backdrop, with each story revealing a new angle on its history and social conflicts. The reviewer finds the narrative rich with themes of power, survival, and the consequences of actions reverberating through personal relationships. They highlight the novel’s engagement with how fiction and reality blur, particularly through the impact of an online story on real lives, making the reading experience both intellectually stimulating and emotionally charged. The novel is appreciated for its depth and the way it challenges readers to consider the effects of storytelling.
Quick quotes
Everyone Hero talks to has read the book, but none of them have read the same book.
The stories that connect Thea, Sofie, and Hero look like one kind of thing from one angle, and something entirely different from another.
The violence that Thea brings to Sofie and Hero is the result of another kind of story, an online fiction that had unexpected repercussions.