Book Review: NECTAR – Sounds of Soft Things Breaking by Kanina Krisalis
From the moment I stumbled across NECTAR – Sounds of Soft Things Breaking, I felt an irresistible pull, a whisper of dark promise wrapped in its poetic title. When I learned it was penned by Kanina Krisalis, a Balkan-born author with an acute empathy for the human condition, I couldn’t resist diving in. Little did I know, this would be one of those rare reading experiences that would stay with me long after the final page had been turned.
At its heart, NECTAR follows Ayla, a twenty-two-year-old woman grappling with the aftermath of a life-altering car accident. Awakening in St. Luke’s Hospital in Thessaloniki, she finds herself surrounded by medical professionals, family members, and a nameless enigma — Selen — who haunts her fragmented memories. Through Ayla’s journey, Krisalis crafts an intricate tapestry of themes: memory, trauma, intimacy, and the haunting silences that often veil our most profound experiences.
What struck me most was Ayla’s raw vulnerability as she pieces together her lost past while navigating a family riddled with secrets. Her relationship with her powerful father adds a layer of complexity, illustrating how family dynamics can amplify both trauma and healing. The narrative invites us into a psychological dance between truth and imagination, leaving us questioning what really happened the night of the accident.
Krisalis’ writing is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her prose flows like the depths of the Aegean, sometimes calm, sometimes tempestuous, but always evocative. Phrases like “the delicate balance between fiction and fractured reality” lingered in my mind, urging me to unpack the emotional layers embedded within each chapter. This isn’t merely a story; it’s an exploration of life and its many messy intricacies. The pacing, deliberate yet engaging, captivated me fully; there were moments I found myself pausing to savor the beauty of her language, as if tasting the nectar of her words.
What resonated most deeply was the unforgettable image of a shattered reality — a theme echoed in many reviews, with one reader likening the experience to "dealing with Schrödinger’s cat, alive and dead at the same time." It reflects the universality of trauma and our often-fractured paths towards healing. Each character is intricately etched, engaging us in their struggles, forging connections that invite reflection and empathy.
NECTAR is more than just a psychological drama; it’s an invitation to grapple with our own memories and truths. Those who enjoy literary fiction that challenges conventions, delves into psychological landscapes, and leaves an emotional imprint will find themselves profoundly affected by Ayla’s story.
In closing, I can’t help but reflect on my own journey alongside Ayla. This novel has left me considering the complexities of intimacy and the silent forces that bind us together. Kanina Krisalis has crafted a masterpiece that not only tells a gripping story but also serves as a mirror, reflecting our own hidden traumas and the beauty found in vulnerability. If you’re seeking a book that nourishes your heart and mind, NECTAR is a MUST read. You might just find pieces of yourself hidden among Ayla’s brokenness, waiting to be discovered.