"Prolonged Stay": An eerie narrative about a homeowner and their guest
In the heart of a small mountain town, the protagonist of Ariane Koch's debut novel embarks on a deeply personal and emotional journey. Where I Have Come to Rest is available from Pushkin Press and offers readers an uncanny, bizarre, and outlandish tale that is as captivating as it is poignant.
The novel centres around the protagonist, who invites an unnamed stranger to stay at her house. As the narrative unfolds, the character navigates the complexities of grief, identity, and belonging, exploring these themes with intimate narration and a profound sense of introspection.
The story delves into the process of mourning loss and finding ways to heal emotionally. It examines how the protagonist comes to understand their own sense of self amidst changing circumstances. The novel reflects on what it means to find or create a home, both physically and metaphorically, and highlights the impact of memories on the present and the importance of reconciling with one's history.
Despite the heavy themes, the novel is delivered with charm and wry humor, making for an engaging and enjoyable read. The narrator's home, filled with crates of stuff and a collection of vacuum cleaner nozzles, provides an eclectic backdrop to the unfolding drama.
Interestingly, the narrator did not have the opportunity to meet her great-grandfather, who was a well-known cult leader. This fact adds an intriguing layer to the story, as the protagonist grapples with her family's past and her own sense of identity.
The relationship between the narrator and the stranger is charming and confounding, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative. Despite the narrator's plans to leave, she has not yet gone beyond the train station, suggesting a sense of stasis and the protagonist's struggle to move forward.
Where I Have Come to Rest is a slim book that packs a powerful punch, offering readers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant reading experience. Ariane Koch's debut novel is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the search for inner peace, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a poignant and engaging story.
The narrator, while residing in a house filled with an assortment of curiosity-stirring items like books and vacuum cleaner nozzles, finds solace in entertaining the unnamed stranger offered by her own personal journey. As the narrative explores the complexities of grief, identity, and belonging, it also unfolds as a captivating tale of self-discovery and healing, providing a delightful mix of poignant reflection and witty humor.
