Play Book Tag discussion

On the Calculation of Volume I by Solvej Balle - 4* - My Review

On the Calculation of Volume is the first book of what will eventually be a seven-part series about Tara Selter, an antiquarian book dealer trapped in a time loop. We meet Tara on her 122nd November 18th. She re-lives the same day endlessly, though she doesn't reset to the same location but begins each new day wherever she ended the previous one. The loop began during a book-buying trip to Paris, and now she's back home in northern France with her husband Thomas, who is not stuck in the same loop. He experiences each November 18th as if for the first time.

It reminds me a bit of the movie “Groundhog Day” except Tara’s days are more varied. Balle employs a diary-like structure. The prose (translated from the Danish by Barbara J. Haveland) is elegant, understated, rhythmic, and focused on minute sensory details. The first-person perspective is effective in emphasizing Tara's psychological isolation. I could almost feel the claustrophobia.

It is one of those books that will inspire multiple interpretations. It could be about the nature of living, loneliness, or our attempts to understand time, memory, and the world around us. It could also be what living with someone with mental decline is like, or about grief, loss, or increasing distance in a relationship. Do not expect a traditional plot or character development. Read it for the beautiful writing, philosophical meditation, or reminder to appreciate each moment.

Love that tags like this bring books like this to the forefront. Sounds interesting! Adding it the tbr 😊

It is! I have the second volume on my TBR and I understand the 3rd will be available in English in November of this year.