Asymmetry

Asymmetry by Lisa Halliday (2018) I think I came upon this book because I was reading about Philip Roth—and the first part of the book is about an older writer, seemingly inspired by Roth, who is having a relationship with much younger woman who is also a writer. I love stories about writers, and I found this one fascinating, even as it made me cringe, but I was hooked. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator of the first part annoyed me to the point of almost putting it down, but then coming around to it—like a kid first drinking beer—and almost liking the style. Maybe I just got to really like both characters—and it is quite funny. The second part of the book is completely unrelated, except that it’s possibly written by the woman in the first part; I may be misreading that, or it may be terribly obvious—I’m sometimes a bit dense. This part of the book is mostly first person, an Iraqi American man who is trying to visit his brother in Kurdistan but is being detained at an airport for no reason—so it’s confusing and frightening. While in this limbo he reflects on his life in a very straightforward, matter of fact way—and it’s surprisingly compelling and very interesting. I really liked the reader of this section. But also, as he is recounting horrific incidents of violence and war, it’s horrifying. To me, really depressing. I admit that I avoid reading about the horrors of injustice and war—not that I try to act like it doesn’t exist—but I try to protect myself. I find this depressing almost beyond being able to bear it. Is it good for me to open my eyes, more—probably—but I don’t run after experiences like this. The book tricked me into it—and I’m guess I’m okay with that. The third part of the book is an interview with the older writer in the first part. It’s very funny, and I guess illuminates the novel as a whole, somewhat—also, works structurally to close it. All in all, it’s an unusual approach—perfect for a novel. It all worked for me.

7.16.25