Definitely not what I expected, it's at times complicated and hard to explore but the writing is beautiful!

This isn't what I expected. The writing is beautiful but the story itself is a bit convoluted. It's a stream of consciousness, which I normally like, but this just missed the mark.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this arc.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an eARC of Supplication.

I would like to start this review by saying that I wasn't able to finish reading this one; I made it to 56% before I had to call it quits; however, I feel like a review is necessary not because it was bad, but I just don't think I was the correct type of reader for this story.

The premise seemed very dark and intriguing and I was curious to see how that was going to be explored. Overall, the writing was beautiful. The imagery was so vivid, and I have to say that the writing style was very advanced. The author is clearly a literary genius.

However, that is why I wasn't the best type of reader for this book in particular. The writing style was a combination of literary prose mixed with a stream of consciousness. I've read both styles separately, and have enjoyed both. I've particularly enjoyed books written as a stream of consciousness, because I feel like it gives a unique insight to the character's innermost thoughts and feelings. However, in conjunction with literary prose, I was unable to figure out what was actually happening throughout the entire half of the book I finished. Both can be difficult to interpret individually for a lot of people, so when both are combined, unless you enjoy complicated stories and writing styles, it would be very difficult to enjoy and glean a full understanding of what points the author was trying to make.

People who enjoy reading more complex writing styles, especially about such dark topics, would really enjoy this book. It was just too hard for me to understand the plot and connect with the characters.

Unfortunately, like others have said, the writing style was not for me. The premise is very intriguing, but I had difficulty focusing on the book because of the style of writing.

Not for me at all unfortunately.

The stream of consciousness writing style was just too much for me.

I'm disappointed because the premise sounded like something I would love and the cover is stunning.

I don't doubt that there's an audience for this style of writing, but sadly I'm just not in it.

Oh, how do you review a book like this? Well, not favorably, that’s for sure. And I’m definitely going to use the world book instead of a novel, because it certainly wasn’t much of a novel in a conventional sense. For that matter, it wasn’t much of a book either. More of a hallucinatory stream of consciousness rant stretched out over 256 pages.
If there was a plot in there, it was thoroughly buried under the overwhelmingly overstylized, impenetrably dense prose.
If anything, this read like a writing exercise that went on for too long. Or perhaps a joke or an experiment, as in “see what can get published these days.” This isn’t to say the writer isn’t talented, because there was some interring imagery in these pages, even a nice turn of phrase now and again. But again, mostly buried under there. Under all those precious stylings.
I’m not saying all novels must follow convention. Not at all. But this was too far on the other side of it. Not just a 180 but a complete obliteration of the rubric. And there’s probably an audience out there for this sort of thing. This is just one reader’s opinion. For me, it was a complete waste of time. Though I did manage to more or less speed read through it in one sitting. Interpreting the word supplication as a humble plea, all I would ask of this book was for it to end. Thanks Netgalley.

In the literary realm where nightmares and reality converge, Nour Abi-Nakhoul's "Supplication" emerges as a hallucinatory horror novel that delves deep into the consciousness of a woman navigating a transformed and terrifying world. This essay delves into the captivating narrative, exploring its themes, imagery, and the profound impact it leaves on the reader. The novel opens with a chilling scene: our protagonist awakens in a basement, bound to a chair, with a menacing figure looming over her. This unsettling introduction sets the tone for a journey through a distorted reality, where fear and uncertainty permeate every corner. As the protagonist escapes her confinement and ventures into an unnamed, nightmarish city, she embarks on a quest for meaning and understanding in a world that seems to have been turned upside down. Abi-Nakhoul's prose masterfully weaves a tapestry of vivid imagery, immersing the reader in the protagonist's heightened senses and fractured perception of reality. The city itself becomes a character, a labyrinthine entity that reflects the protagonist's inner turmoil and alienation. As she encounters various figures, both benevolent and menacing, each interaction unveils a deeper layer of the narrative's enigmatic tapestry. At its core, "Supplication" explores the profound themes of alienation, fear, and the relentless search for respite. The protagonist's journey is a metaphor for the human condition, our constant struggle to find solace and meaning in a world that can often feel overwhelming and incomprehensible. Abi-Nakhoul skillfully weaves these themes into the narrative, creating a visceral and emotional experience for the reader. "Supplication" is not merely a horror novel; it is a profound exploration of the human psyche, delving into the depths of fear, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that drives us forward even in the darkest of times. Abi-Nakhoul's writing is both haunting and beautiful, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. In conclusion, Nour Abi-Nakhoul's "Supplication" is a thought-provoking and unsettling literary journey that captivates the reader from its opening scene to its haunting conclusion. Through its exploration of alienation, fear, and the quest for respite, the novel offers a profound reflection on the human condition. Abi-Nakhoul's masterful storytelling and evocative prose create an immersive experience that lingers long after the book is finished. "Supplication" is a must-read for those who appreciate literary horror, psychological exploration, and the exploration of the boundaries between reality and nightmare.