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A review by bookwoods
Idaho by Emily Ruskovich
5.0
4.5/5
Idaho is the most masterfully crafted novel I've read in a long time, but it requires concentration and patience - Emily Ruskovich doesn't seem to believe in linear story lines or tying up all the loose ends.
The story is comprised of interlinked viewpoints separated into chapters. As soon as I started to understand a certain character in certain circumstances, the focus shifts to another time, place and life entirely. But the point seemed to be just this: to get a glimpse into these lives which together form an intricate pattern of connections revolving around a single event. We see the far fetching consequences of the event, as well as pieces of history that led to it. I don't want to give away anything about the nature of the centering incident, because it takes a while to put the pieces together and I don't want to spoil that for anyone. In fact, I think Idaho is at its best when you don't know what to expect. The story is set in Idaho and some central themes are music, memory and murder - that's all I'll say.
Ruskovich's debut is certainly a slow novel, but there's tension hiding behind every action. Another of its accomplishments is that I wasn't bothered by the rather open ending, which leaves matters unresolved. Instead, I thought it couldn't have ended in a more appropiate way.
All in all I agree with the adjectives printed on the gorgeous cover: mesmerising, beautiful, masterful, extraordinary, stunning and exquisite describe how I, too, feel about Idaho. The reason for taking off half a star from my rating is that there were a few moments when I wanted something to break up the chains of thought that got too long and slightly tiring. So 4.5/5 stars it is, and I'm eagerly waiting for Emily Ruskovich to write more!
Idaho is the most masterfully crafted novel I've read in a long time, but it requires concentration and patience - Emily Ruskovich doesn't seem to believe in linear story lines or tying up all the loose ends.
The story is comprised of interlinked viewpoints separated into chapters. As soon as I started to understand a certain character in certain circumstances, the focus shifts to another time, place and life entirely. But the point seemed to be just this: to get a glimpse into these lives which together form an intricate pattern of connections revolving around a single event. We see the far fetching consequences of the event, as well as pieces of history that led to it. I don't want to give away anything about the nature of the centering incident, because it takes a while to put the pieces together and I don't want to spoil that for anyone. In fact, I think Idaho is at its best when you don't know what to expect. The story is set in Idaho and some central themes are music, memory and murder - that's all I'll say.
Ruskovich's debut is certainly a slow novel, but there's tension hiding behind every action. Another of its accomplishments is that I wasn't bothered by the rather open ending, which leaves matters unresolved. Instead, I thought it couldn't have ended in a more appropiate way.
All in all I agree with the adjectives printed on the gorgeous cover: mesmerising, beautiful, masterful, extraordinary, stunning and exquisite describe how I, too, feel about Idaho. The reason for taking off half a star from my rating is that there were a few moments when I wanted something to break up the chains of thought that got too long and slightly tiring. So 4.5/5 stars it is, and I'm eagerly waiting for Emily Ruskovich to write more!