The Lesser Bohemians- Eimear McBride

[NorthernGravy]

I’m 80% of the way through it (no spoilers!) and know it’s going to be a book that sticks in my head for ages. It’s quite unlike anything I’ve read in a long time. The style of writing takes a couple of chapters to get used to but it’s really gotten under my skin. Such raw emotion listening to that inner monologue stream of consciousness is really getting to me. I can see how it can be a marmite book that you either love or hate, but something about it has made me want to talk to others about it.

(Also love how it’s set in Camden in the mid90s and doesn’t rely on Britpop cliches).

I really liked it and A Girl Is A Half Formed thing. I wasn't that keen on Strange Hotel. The audiobooks are amazing as she reads them herself.

I also really like Jenny Offill who writes in a similar style.

You might also like Jessica Andrews' Saltwater.

I did download the audiobook of LB and flipped between reading and listen to it when I couldn’t read (cooking etc). I loved her reading style.

I tried reading this last year and gave up quite quickly but I've still got it on my shelf so may give it another go or would you say better to listen via audiobook?

I listened to the first couple of chapters rather than reading them. Going back and reading reviews a lot of them say that the first couple are the hardest. Once I started reading I was hooked.

I really rate the audiobooks as they are beautifully read and she has a really good cadence that I think you miss reading for yourself. They come across as almost poetic. It might be worth seeing if you can find a sample to listen to first before buying it if you are not sure.

I think you need to stick with it for a few chapters until you get used to the unfamiliar style.

Whenever I read Eimear McBride I always come away feeling like I've been assaulted by words. She doesn't give you an easy time.

This is really helpful, thank you! Will try the audio book and see how I get on.