Liska Jacobs | CATALINA
So, after finishing THE GRIP OF IT by Jac Jemc, I had to read the other novel that FSG Originals sent me. CATALINA by Liska Jacobs was one of those novels that I had come across on Instagram and after seeing the cover, I was desperate to know more. Reading the plot only made my intrigue heighten and after finishing this one in one day, I was not disappointed. Special thanks to FSG Originals for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Plot:
Review:
Usually, I stick to thrillers and suspense novels for my blog as that's what I'm really interested in, but CATALINA by Liska Jacobs is the kind of palate cleanser that wraps it's hand around your throat and takes you over, plunging into a beautiful novel. While most of this novel is told from the character of Elsa, I quickly found myself interested in her past, present, and worried of her future. Jacobs has a voice that is like a combination of Bret Easton Ellis with the most strengthened female presence you'll ever read. I was fascinated being able to witness the choices Elsa made as she quickly became reacquainted with some friends. While interesting, I was surprised to see them not aware of the troubles that surrounded Elsa like a dangerously low black cloud.
Reading this novel seemed very reminiscent of a memoir as the lines between the past, present, reality, and imagination quickly blended together into a dark and sinister painting. Jacobs weaved together a terrifying and at times, hilarious group of characters that were so real, it was like reading about someone you went to high school with or even a friend-of-a-friend. These characters are not only three-dimensional, but they jump from the pages and get in your face, flaws and all.
Without spoiling much, things go from worrisome, to brutally sad, to utterly terrifying as the novel progresses and you not only see Elsa's plunge into darkness, but the people around her. The blind leading the blind quickly emerges you as a reader into this world of glamour, addiction, and high-tension drama. But eventually, you have to go home. Or do you? With an ending that is as dark and beautiful as its prose, CATALINA is a novel that camps in the back of your brain and doesn't plan on leaving well after you finish the final page. Utterly brilliant and rich with imagery, this is one to watch out for.
Rating: 4.5/5
Plot:
Elsa Fisher is headed for rock bottom. At least, that’s her plan. She has just been fired from MoMA on the heels of an affair with her married boss, and she retreats to Los Angeles to blow her severance package on whatever it takes to numb the pain. Her abandoned crew of college friends (childhood friend Charlotte and her wayward husband, Jared; and Elsa’s ex-husband, Robby) receive her with open arms, and, thinking she’s on vacation, a plan to celebrate their reunion on a booze-soaked sailing trip to Catalina Island.
But Elsa doesn’t want to celebrate. She is lost, lonely, and full of rage, and only wants to sink as low as the drugs and alcohol will take her. On Catalina, her determined unraveling and recklessness expose painful memories and dark desires, putting everyone in the group at risk.
Review:
Usually, I stick to thrillers and suspense novels for my blog as that's what I'm really interested in, but CATALINA by Liska Jacobs is the kind of palate cleanser that wraps it's hand around your throat and takes you over, plunging into a beautiful novel. While most of this novel is told from the character of Elsa, I quickly found myself interested in her past, present, and worried of her future. Jacobs has a voice that is like a combination of Bret Easton Ellis with the most strengthened female presence you'll ever read. I was fascinated being able to witness the choices Elsa made as she quickly became reacquainted with some friends. While interesting, I was surprised to see them not aware of the troubles that surrounded Elsa like a dangerously low black cloud.
Reading this novel seemed very reminiscent of a memoir as the lines between the past, present, reality, and imagination quickly blended together into a dark and sinister painting. Jacobs weaved together a terrifying and at times, hilarious group of characters that were so real, it was like reading about someone you went to high school with or even a friend-of-a-friend. These characters are not only three-dimensional, but they jump from the pages and get in your face, flaws and all.
Without spoiling much, things go from worrisome, to brutally sad, to utterly terrifying as the novel progresses and you not only see Elsa's plunge into darkness, but the people around her. The blind leading the blind quickly emerges you as a reader into this world of glamour, addiction, and high-tension drama. But eventually, you have to go home. Or do you? With an ending that is as dark and beautiful as its prose, CATALINA is a novel that camps in the back of your brain and doesn't plan on leaving well after you finish the final page. Utterly brilliant and rich with imagery, this is one to watch out for.
Rating: 4.5/5
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