Book Review: NECTAR – Sounds of Soft Things Breaking by Kanina Krisalis
From the moment I came across NECTAR – Sounds of Soft Things Breaking, I felt a magnetic pull towards its intricate themes of memory, trauma, and the veils of intimacy. Kanina Krisalis, with her rich Balkan roots and literary craftsmanship, creates a world that draws the reader into deep emotional waters. The provocative opening quote, “The question is not who’s going to let me. But who’s going to stop me?” lingers like a melodious haunting, beckoning curiosity and introspection.
At the heart of this literary masterpiece is Ayla, a 22-year-old who finds herself in the sterile confines of St. Luke’s Hospital in Thessaloniki, recovering from a devastating car accident. With her past evanesced and a foreboding sense of mystery hanging over her, Ayla’s existence feels fractured—both physically and mentally. This narrative is a vivid exploration of what it means to grapple with the shards of one’s identity amidst the chaos of memory loss. The interplay between her struggle and the obscured truth of her last moments becomes an unfolding tapestry, where every thread unspools a new secret.
Krisalis’s writing style is nothing short of poetic. The language flows like water, at times calm and serene, while at other moments, swift and tumultuous. I found myself captivated by her lyrical prose, which struck chords of relatability and resonated with the rawness of human experience. Lines such as “The weight of unspoken truths can drown the loudest voices” reverberate with profound emotional depth, reminding me of the complexity of our internal battles.
The pacing is intricate, unraveling slowly yet deliberately—each chapter a step deeper into Ayla’s psyche and the tumult surrounding her existence. A notable character, Pappi, adds layers to the narrative; his reluctant companionship with Ayla invites readers to reflect on the themes of loyalty and the fight for truth against a backdrop of silence and avoidance. Together, they navigate the jagged terrain of unanswered questions in a world that prefers the status quo.
Moreover, what resonates most deeply is how Krisalis intertwines intimate emotions with a compelling mystery. The book doesn’t merely entertain; it invites introspection about our own relationships with trauma, identity, and each other. A particularly haunting moment comes from a testimonial, describing the book as “a hauntingly intimate novel that will stay with me for a while.” This encapsulates my own experience—a book that lingers far beyond the final page.
NECTAR is a shining gem for readers who appreciate psychological depth, beautifully crafted language, and layered narratives. If you find solace in novels that deftly navigate the complexities of the human experience, this work will pull you in and not let go. For those who appreciate the blending of memory, mystery, and the evocative exploration of female experiences, Kanina Krisalis’s debut promises to be an unforgettable journey.
In conclusion, NECTAR – Sounds of Soft Things Breaking is more than just a book; it’s a profound experience that challenges us to confront the soft, broken things within us and to question the truths we hold dear. I personally exited this literary journey transformed, contemplating my own memories and the relationships that bind us. If you’re looking for a deeply introspective read that vibrates with emotional clarity, this is it.