Book Review: Akin by Emma Donoghue

This was a really lovely, lyrical tale that flowed beautifully, although the slower pace took me a little while to fall into… I’ve been reviewing a spate of informational non-fiction and thrillers, it seems, and this one was so clearly a work of literary narrative fiction that I had trouble finding my way into the feel of the language and the character-driven story. Once I did (about 10% in), I relaxed into the story and loved every minute of it.

It’s been a while since I read an Emma Donoghue novel. The first one I read, Life Mask, was picked up at a reading by the author in Philadelphia. I was captivated by her style and grace and the language of the book tugged me into the story right away. Ditto with Slammerkin, which was the next title I read. From there, life happened, and it was a while before I stumbled upon her work again – but by then she was in her contemporary phase – and I just couldn’t pull myself into Room, for the subject matter, despite everyone’s raves.

I really loved her historical fiction because she has a marvelous knack for transporting the reader into a specific time and place through her magnificent attention to the small details (think buttons and fabrics and scents) that make a scene jump off the page and into your head. I think the reason Akin worked so well for me is that, while it is contemporary in setting, so much of the book is dedicated to resolving a life-long mystery that Noah didn’t even realize he was living, that it feels historical even though it is not. I loved the way Donoghue drew me into Noah’s hunt for meaning, and the way Michael’s life overlapped with that quest (both physically, in time, and psychologically). It made for a richly detailed read that tugged at my heartstrings, irritated me, plagued me with concerns that I’d never *really* know what happened, and delighted me with small joys and giggles – exactly as it did for the characters throughout their adventures.

Donoghue is a force to be reckoned with, and in Akin I think she has demonstrated this with aplomb. I may even have to set aside my misgivings and give Room a try…

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy.