How engaging your style/narrative voice is – I felt like I was in Brio’s head, I felt like I was seeing the world through his eyes. Your descriptions are tight and focused but the contents itself are often dreamlike, which leaves the reader feeling immersed in these hyper vivid/trippy scenarios. It’s an incredibly unique feeling.
Overall, the story is a wild ride, delving deep into Brio’s struggles. I felt like he was a very sympathetic protagonist despite his troubles, and it was easy to root for him. It skilfully mixes psychological drama, fantasy, and great social commentary. I loved how the exploration of identity, belief systems, and external influences on the mind was well done.
The story touches on mental health, identity crisis, and the clash between reality and fantasy. It also addresses societal issues like LGBTQ+ rights, spirituality, and the ethics of advanced technologies.
My favorite aspect of the book, however, are themes of forgiveness, love, and the search for meaning. The end was absolutely beautiful. I was on the edge of my seat because it seemed so undecided what path he would take, but when he did, it made perfect sense.
I loved the balance between his dark real life and the whimsy of his writing. The exploration of mental health is sensitively done and the dialogue is brilliant. The humor, especially in the Hoggit’s quest, adds much needed lightness to the heavy themes. This is, at its core, wildly imaginative and so earnest.
