THE PLOT: Weather by Jenny Offill is a literary novel about a woman struggling to balance it all. Lizzie Benson is overwhelmed by the crises of daily life. A mother, wife and perennial caretaker to her extended family, she works part-time in a university library. When an old mentor offers her a job answering mail from listeners of an apocalyptic podcast, Lizzie finds herself battling questions from left-wingers worried about climate change to right-wingers worried about immigration. Entering this polarized world, Lizzie is forced to consider her role as a citizen of this doomed planet.

SUMMARY: I have never forgotten a book quite so completely as this one. Disclaimer, I read this novel about 5 months ago and forgot to review it. I remember really enjoying it and how it surprised me and defied my expectations. However, now I cannot remember a single thing about it. I even read the first few pages again before writing this review. But nope, absolutely nothing came flooding back. So, ‘what’s the point of even trying?’ you ask. Well, I know it’s a good book. It’s well-written and a poignant reflection of modern anxieties in the digital age. Written as an inner monologue of different thoughts, there isn’t much dialogue or description. Although its unique format means it isn’t about plot or character in the usual way, it creates a strong atmosphere and you can imagine the every-day person our main character represents. It won’t be to everyone’s taste but – at only 200-pages – I’d recommend this novel.

GOOD BITS: This book is written in short snippets, almost like diary entries or a stream of consciousness. Although I was sceptical of the format at first, I became absorbed and connected with its musings on the modern world. The short, clear sentences feel remarkably insightful, from micro every-day realities to the macro world-politics. Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize in 2020, it will resonate with a lot of women who are burdened with caring responsibilities.

NOT SO GOOD BITS: I literally could not tell you about the other characters in this novel if you paid me. I cannot remember a single thing about the podcast or mentor or husband or brother, all of whom seem essential to the plot. And, as someone who generally has a very good memory for books, perhaps that’s an indication of something. Published in 2020, this novel is an interesting snapshot of the era. However, like Twitter, Buzzfeed and Jezebel perhaps it won’t stand the test of time.

OVERALL: I’d recommend this book to fans of Chrysalis by Anna Metcalfe, Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy and Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata.

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