Tricky territory. Seems Kelly’s primary relationship is to Ona and the art, and nothing will (or should) change that. This chapter makes me think about how challenging it is for neurodivergent individuals to navigate the “normal” or “expected” stages of life. Our culture sure doesn’t offer a lot of alternatives, though many of us would choose them if they were presented!
Ben, please forgive my seeming absence, and me listening over on podcasts (it’s just so much easier in the car!) Please know that I stand amazed by how you’ve managed this story, how the deeply mythical aspect to her work remains so grounded because she herself is so human, in her struggle to be human. It makes it all so exquisitely real. And the Clem chapter was so alive, and so visual, that I feel like I watched a movie of that chapter and can still remember all scenes. And, oh my God, chapter 13!! It reminded me SO MUCH of when I went to the Hilma af Klint exhibition at the Tate Modern a few years ago, where the final room of the exhibit has her ‘The Ten Largest’ pieces hung around the edges of the room. They’re massive and fully abstract but they represent the chronological stages of life, and I stood in the middle, and in amongst everyone there was woman with a pram, holding her baby, staring at the first one, and this little old lady stood staring at the last, and it was moving. Overwhelming, really. And I fully relived that feeling listening to taht chapter.
And their unfolding of their relationship, is just so gloriously honest. I feel like I never read a fictional relationship that's depicted as being far more about the complexity that actually exists underneath the attraction between two people, and that’s the part that is far more interesting. Her journal entries about their intimacy are genius. How awkward being a human in a body actually is, all the mad things we have to do in our minds to make things feel ok. How much space we really need but the world just doesn’t allow... Oof, I didn’t think I could love her more, but here we are. And I’m so fucking glad Ona is back :)
There’s nothing to forgive. I know this is an absolutely horrible way to read a novel! Only the most dedicated and patient person who can feed baby birds with a tip of a paintbrush, is willing to stay with me on these journeys!
I’m so grateful to have you as a reader. Your kind words about the book this morning made my week. Thank you. 🙏
Oh this is complicated, I feel for both of them. I wonder how Lefty is feeling. I was longing for them to be together but this feels awkward. I’m glad Ona is starting to reemerge.
I recognize some of that early-relationship angst, heightened by Kelly's authenticity. It feels both universal and oh so specific to her character, not an easy feat. I'm glad Ona may return after her absence. . .
Tricky territory. Seems Kelly’s primary relationship is to Ona and the art, and nothing will (or should) change that. This chapter makes me think about how challenging it is for neurodivergent individuals to navigate the “normal” or “expected” stages of life. Our culture sure doesn’t offer a lot of alternatives, though many of us would choose them if they were presented!
Ben, please forgive my seeming absence, and me listening over on podcasts (it’s just so much easier in the car!) Please know that I stand amazed by how you’ve managed this story, how the deeply mythical aspect to her work remains so grounded because she herself is so human, in her struggle to be human. It makes it all so exquisitely real. And the Clem chapter was so alive, and so visual, that I feel like I watched a movie of that chapter and can still remember all scenes. And, oh my God, chapter 13!! It reminded me SO MUCH of when I went to the Hilma af Klint exhibition at the Tate Modern a few years ago, where the final room of the exhibit has her ‘The Ten Largest’ pieces hung around the edges of the room. They’re massive and fully abstract but they represent the chronological stages of life, and I stood in the middle, and in amongst everyone there was woman with a pram, holding her baby, staring at the first one, and this little old lady stood staring at the last, and it was moving. Overwhelming, really. And I fully relived that feeling listening to taht chapter.
And their unfolding of their relationship, is just so gloriously honest. I feel like I never read a fictional relationship that's depicted as being far more about the complexity that actually exists underneath the attraction between two people, and that’s the part that is far more interesting. Her journal entries about their intimacy are genius. How awkward being a human in a body actually is, all the mad things we have to do in our minds to make things feel ok. How much space we really need but the world just doesn’t allow... Oof, I didn’t think I could love her more, but here we are. And I’m so fucking glad Ona is back :)
There’s nothing to forgive. I know this is an absolutely horrible way to read a novel! Only the most dedicated and patient person who can feed baby birds with a tip of a paintbrush, is willing to stay with me on these journeys!
I’m so grateful to have you as a reader. Your kind words about the book this morning made my week. Thank you. 🙏
Grateful to you and your brilliant mind.
Oh this is complicated, I feel for both of them. I wonder how Lefty is feeling. I was longing for them to be together but this feels awkward. I’m glad Ona is starting to reemerge.
I know, right? So awkward. I ruined what could have been a totally passable romance novel. 😳
Ah but the path of true love never runs smooth. And romance schmomance. This is much better!
I recognize some of that early-relationship angst, heightened by Kelly's authenticity. It feels both universal and oh so specific to her character, not an easy feat. I'm glad Ona may return after her absence. . .