I really struggled through Europe Central, I suspect because it was a bit beyond me. Certainly other people have enjoyed it – it’s a prize winner after all (which, if we’re being honest, is how I came to be reading it). It’s taken me ages to finish this book. I’ve never really been engaged by it, and have found myself falling asleep or sneaking in New Yorkers.

The book reminds me of Russian novels (something I’ve also had trouble reading) – intricate plot lines, characters that disappear for large chunks of the novel, only to reappear without any clues to remind you of who they are (important if the book is taking you a long time to read), and difficult text. And, at the end of the book, I didn’t feel like it was worth it. Something this difficult to read need to be life changing for me to recommend it!