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Kintsugi
Corporate worker-bee Kez has finally achieved her lifelong dream of living in Europe, having put behind her at last a myriad of family a narcissistic mother; a chronically ill father; a schizophrenic brother and the dark, intrusive memories of a kitten-murdering grandmother. But life has no intention of letting her sit back and take a breath – oh, no – because, once again, her family needs her.
She flies six thousand miles back to Brazil with her manager, Max, who witnessed Kez having a panic attack upon hearing the news that her father was dying. As the vigil in the hospital stretches into the night, she tells Max her family stories leading up to the day her mother destroyed their relationship.
During the deathwatch, Kez tells Max about her humble family origins in Pernambuco and her last assignment working abroad as a Tourist Consultant in the hot sands of Dubai. She exposes in great detail the intricate balance of power between her nosy-but-well-meaning relatives, her narcissistic mother, her sick father, her schizophrenic brother and how in the end she is forced to choose between her dreams of a future in Europe or the nightmare of her mother’s endless online scams.
From the cotton plantations in Pernambuco and the terra roxa farms at the edge of the Paranapanema river, to the corporate offices of Sao Paulo and Frankfurt, with a brief stopover on the South Bank of London, KINTSUGI explores Kez’s rich family history up until the moment her family implodes.
She flies six thousand miles back to Brazil with her manager, Max, who witnessed Kez having a panic attack upon hearing the news that her father was dying. As the vigil in the hospital stretches into the night, she tells Max her family stories leading up to the day her mother destroyed their relationship.
During the deathwatch, Kez tells Max about her humble family origins in Pernambuco and her last assignment working abroad as a Tourist Consultant in the hot sands of Dubai. She exposes in great detail the intricate balance of power between her nosy-but-well-meaning relatives, her narcissistic mother, her sick father, her schizophrenic brother and how in the end she is forced to choose between her dreams of a future in Europe or the nightmare of her mother’s endless online scams.
From the cotton plantations in Pernambuco and the terra roxa farms at the edge of the Paranapanema river, to the corporate offices of Sao Paulo and Frankfurt, with a brief stopover on the South Bank of London, KINTSUGI explores Kez’s rich family history up until the moment her family implodes.
572 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2022
4 people want to read
About the author
Kezia Kos
2 books8 followersKezia Kos was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1980 in a big Brazilian family with lots of cousins, uncles and aunties. Thanks to a very curious nature and the family motto that children were to be seen, not to be heard, Kezia developed an early appetite for the written word. She was enrolled into English classes when she was seven years old, and never stopped learning languages since then, having graduated in Translation and Interpretation at Mackenzie University in English and French.
After that she moved between Brazil, Europe, and the Middle East, having lived in Italy, Ireland, Germany and UAE, she settled down once and for all in Frankfurt Germany in 2015, where she lives in a yellow home surrounded by huge tropical plants, posters of long dead painters and a yellow lemon tree.
After that she moved between Brazil, Europe, and the Middle East, having lived in Italy, Ireland, Germany and UAE, she settled down once and for all in Frankfurt Germany in 2015, where she lives in a yellow home surrounded by huge tropical plants, posters of long dead painters and a yellow lemon tree.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 14, 2023
It is a thought provoking and emotionally charged book that delves deep into the intricate tapestry of family dynamics. With a compelling narrative & skillful storytelling, the author takes readers on a journey that intertwines personal struggles, mental health & the complexities of familial devotion and duty.
One of the remarkable aspects of Kintsugi is the author's ability to seamlessly blend historical facts with personal experiences. Through vivid & engaging prose, Kos paints a rich backdrop that not only enhances the story but also provides a greater understanding of the cultural & historical context in which the narrative unfolds.The inclusion of these fascinating details adds depth & authenticity to the overall reading experience.
The exploration of mental health within the framework of family relationships is another significant strength of this book. Kos fearlessly tackles the challenges faced by individuals dealing with a narcissistic mother, chronically depressive father, a schizophrenic brother, and an undiagnosed psycho grandmother.The raw & honest portrayal of these characters and their struggles allows readers to empathize with their experiences & gain a deeper insight into the impact of such dynamics on one's own mental well-being.
Furthermore, the author's adeptness at incorporating quotes throughout the narrative adds an extra layer of depth & resonance. These well-chosen snippets of wisdom & reflection not only provide poignant moments of contemplation but also serve as a testament to the author's research & attention to detail.
Kos's writing style is engaging & accessible making it an enjoyable read. The pacing is well balanced, keeping the reader invested in the story while allowing for moments of reflection & introspection.The characters are vividly brought to life, with their flaws & complexities making them relatable and human.
Overall, Kintsugi is a commendable book that expertly weaves together themes of family, mental health & personal growth. Kezia Kos showcases her talent for storytelling, capturing the reader's attention with an absorbing narrative and providing valuable insights into the power of resilience and self-discovery.
I highly recommend "Kintsugi" to those who appreciate books that delve into the intricacies of family relationships, explore the impact of mental health, and offer a captivating blend of personal anecdotes and historical context. Kezia Kos's compelling storytelling and ability to tackle challenging subjects with sensitivity and depth make her an author to watch.
One of the remarkable aspects of Kintsugi is the author's ability to seamlessly blend historical facts with personal experiences. Through vivid & engaging prose, Kos paints a rich backdrop that not only enhances the story but also provides a greater understanding of the cultural & historical context in which the narrative unfolds.The inclusion of these fascinating details adds depth & authenticity to the overall reading experience.
The exploration of mental health within the framework of family relationships is another significant strength of this book. Kos fearlessly tackles the challenges faced by individuals dealing with a narcissistic mother, chronically depressive father, a schizophrenic brother, and an undiagnosed psycho grandmother.The raw & honest portrayal of these characters and their struggles allows readers to empathize with their experiences & gain a deeper insight into the impact of such dynamics on one's own mental well-being.
Furthermore, the author's adeptness at incorporating quotes throughout the narrative adds an extra layer of depth & resonance. These well-chosen snippets of wisdom & reflection not only provide poignant moments of contemplation but also serve as a testament to the author's research & attention to detail.
Kos's writing style is engaging & accessible making it an enjoyable read. The pacing is well balanced, keeping the reader invested in the story while allowing for moments of reflection & introspection.The characters are vividly brought to life, with their flaws & complexities making them relatable and human.
Overall, Kintsugi is a commendable book that expertly weaves together themes of family, mental health & personal growth. Kezia Kos showcases her talent for storytelling, capturing the reader's attention with an absorbing narrative and providing valuable insights into the power of resilience and self-discovery.
I highly recommend "Kintsugi" to those who appreciate books that delve into the intricacies of family relationships, explore the impact of mental health, and offer a captivating blend of personal anecdotes and historical context. Kezia Kos's compelling storytelling and ability to tackle challenging subjects with sensitivity and depth make her an author to watch.
April 4, 2023
If you're in for a witty, sharp, yet fine-taste sarcastic kind of humor, you'll be delighted.
As a legit Brazilian herself, the author brightly defended our proud standard of making fun of misfortune, taking us on her luggage around the world and back in her family's secret files, to laugh about cultural uniqueness or wrath about how toxic environments families might be.
As the book says: "Family is everything...until it isn't"
As a legit Brazilian herself, the author brightly defended our proud standard of making fun of misfortune, taking us on her luggage around the world and back in her family's secret files, to laugh about cultural uniqueness or wrath about how toxic environments families might be.
As the book says: "Family is everything...until it isn't"
July 16, 2023
“I'm not simply going back home, Max. I'm going back to my old birdcage.” Yes this is a line from the book today I'm going to talk about. Kintsugi by Kezia Kos is a book that goes deep into understanding what truly a family bond is, it tries to discover the truth why even if our family who have done so much harm to us, yet at the first sign of trouble we feel pain and immediately try to help them, even if we know we could get hurt again.
The story is about Kez a Brazilian girl working in Germany and it's evident from the first few chapters that she has worked really hard in order to just get away from her family as the story unfolds we get to know the reasons toxic mother, ill father, mentally disturbed brother and a kitty murderer grandmother all of them at different levels have harmed Kez, but yet she flies back to home as soon as she recieved the news of her mother's death and that her father is also serious, she recieved a phone call and suddenly she went through a panic attack which she hadn't expected because of her past experiences with her family.
“How would you deal with the knowledge that someone’s presence in your life is toxic, but you still have to live with their interference day in and day out" these lines exactly explains the plot of the book, but don't you get comfortable as the story gets deeper and deeper as the conversation goes on between Max, a good friend and one of the managers of Kez who flew with her to Brazil.
The story was fantastic, emotional and delivers it's message successfully and you feel the pain it was ment to deliver, I have only one issue that at some point the language of conversation shifts from english to some other language that kind of breaks the flow as you don't understand a thing but aside that everything is top notch, the pace is fast and thus you don't feel the length of 500 pages. The book dives into topics like mental health, family relationships and the best part of it is that it was all raw, no filters that makes the story more real and you connect more to it.
This is a must read book for everyone I will say, this is a book that will live with you for a very long time, this is a book that is here to stay.
The story is about Kez a Brazilian girl working in Germany and it's evident from the first few chapters that she has worked really hard in order to just get away from her family as the story unfolds we get to know the reasons toxic mother, ill father, mentally disturbed brother and a kitty murderer grandmother all of them at different levels have harmed Kez, but yet she flies back to home as soon as she recieved the news of her mother's death and that her father is also serious, she recieved a phone call and suddenly she went through a panic attack which she hadn't expected because of her past experiences with her family.
“How would you deal with the knowledge that someone’s presence in your life is toxic, but you still have to live with their interference day in and day out" these lines exactly explains the plot of the book, but don't you get comfortable as the story gets deeper and deeper as the conversation goes on between Max, a good friend and one of the managers of Kez who flew with her to Brazil.
The story was fantastic, emotional and delivers it's message successfully and you feel the pain it was ment to deliver, I have only one issue that at some point the language of conversation shifts from english to some other language that kind of breaks the flow as you don't understand a thing but aside that everything is top notch, the pace is fast and thus you don't feel the length of 500 pages. The book dives into topics like mental health, family relationships and the best part of it is that it was all raw, no filters that makes the story more real and you connect more to it.
This is a must read book for everyone I will say, this is a book that will live with you for a very long time, this is a book that is here to stay.
June 25, 2024
🥀The book "Kintsugi" is penned by the author Kezia Kos. The author explores the intricacies of family ties, individual goals, and the fight for self-identity in the face of disaster in her gripping novel. The plot centers on Kez, a corporate employee who appears to have lived the life of her dreams in Europe but is actually thrown back into the rough seas of her family's turmoil when her father develops a serious illness. The author skillfully weaves a complex web of family and personal histories that engrosses and enthralls readership from the very first page by using Kez's homecoming to Brazil as the framework for the story.
🥀The book title, alludes to the Japanese technique of using gold to mend shattered ceramics, and provides a moving parallel for the narrative. Kez is on a journey to piece together the broken pieces of her history and discover strength and beauty in her scars. Throughout the book, this topic recurs as Kez deals with her brother's schizophrenia, her father's long-term illness, and her narcissistic mother. Kos depicts the awful realities of these circumstances with an unwavering honesty that gives the story more substance and realism.
🥀Vibrant and evocative, the author's prose transports readers from Pernambuco's cotton plantations to São Paulo's and Frankfurt's busy corporate headquarters. A strong feeling of place is created for each location through careful description, making it both immersive and essential to the plot. The book gains a rich, intricate texture from the author's skillful integration of these disparate locales into the story without losing sight of the main theme.
🥀Kez's internal struggle between her overwhelming sense of duty to her family & her desire for independence forms the emotional core of this book. The nuanced presentation of this matter effectively conveys the shame and ambivalence that can accompany such situations.
🥀Kos deftly and movingly examines these issues, encouraging readers to think about their own family relationships and the expenses involved. Regardless of in the darkest passages of the narrative, the author's poetic and sad prose has moments of beauty. The book's biggest strength is her ability to gracefully and clearly portray complex emotions. Without using exposition, the conversation is lively and organic, illuminating the relationships and personalities of the participants.
🥀This book is a profoundly touching and exquisitely written book that delves into the complex relationships within families, the suffering caused by unsettled pasts, and the perseverance needed to create a fresh beginning. A vast array of readers will be able to relate to the issues in Kezia Kos's novel, which is both universal and personal. If you're searching for a work of fiction that blends a gripping storyline with emotional depth,this is a must read.
🥀The book title, alludes to the Japanese technique of using gold to mend shattered ceramics, and provides a moving parallel for the narrative. Kez is on a journey to piece together the broken pieces of her history and discover strength and beauty in her scars. Throughout the book, this topic recurs as Kez deals with her brother's schizophrenia, her father's long-term illness, and her narcissistic mother. Kos depicts the awful realities of these circumstances with an unwavering honesty that gives the story more substance and realism.
🥀Vibrant and evocative, the author's prose transports readers from Pernambuco's cotton plantations to São Paulo's and Frankfurt's busy corporate headquarters. A strong feeling of place is created for each location through careful description, making it both immersive and essential to the plot. The book gains a rich, intricate texture from the author's skillful integration of these disparate locales into the story without losing sight of the main theme.
🥀Kez's internal struggle between her overwhelming sense of duty to her family & her desire for independence forms the emotional core of this book. The nuanced presentation of this matter effectively conveys the shame and ambivalence that can accompany such situations.
🥀Kos deftly and movingly examines these issues, encouraging readers to think about their own family relationships and the expenses involved. Regardless of in the darkest passages of the narrative, the author's poetic and sad prose has moments of beauty. The book's biggest strength is her ability to gracefully and clearly portray complex emotions. Without using exposition, the conversation is lively and organic, illuminating the relationships and personalities of the participants.
🥀This book is a profoundly touching and exquisitely written book that delves into the complex relationships within families, the suffering caused by unsettled pasts, and the perseverance needed to create a fresh beginning. A vast array of readers will be able to relate to the issues in Kezia Kos's novel, which is both universal and personal. If you're searching for a work of fiction that blends a gripping storyline with emotional depth,this is a must read.
July 4, 2024
📚📚 Kintsugi by Kezia Kos: A Heartfelt Journey Through Family and Mental Health 📚📚
Title: Kintsugi
Author: Kezia Kos
Rating:5/5
Review:
🥰📚 Kintsugi by Kezia Kos is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that immerses readers in the intricate dynamics of family relationships and the impact of mental health. The story revolves around Kez, a Brazilian corporate worker who has finally fulfilled her dream of living in Europe, leaving behind a troubled family life. However, her newfound peace is shattered when she receives news of her father's declining health, compelling her to return to Brazil with her manager, Max.
📚 Through vivid storytelling, Kos takes us on a journey from the cotton plantations of Pernambuco to the corporate offices of São Paulo and Frankfurt. The rich cultural and historical context enhances the narrative, providing depth and authenticity to Kez's experiences. The seamless blend of personal and historical elements is a testament to Kos's skillful storytelling.
🥰 The novel excels in its raw and honest depiction of mental health issues within the family. Kez's struggle with a narcissistic mother, a chronically ill father, a schizophrenic brother, and a grandmother with a disturbing past is portrayed with unflinching honesty. These complex relationships allow readers to empathize deeply with Kez and understand the profound impact of her family's dynamics on her mental well-being.
📚 Kos's inclusion of poignant quotes throughout the book adds layers of meaning and reflection. These well-chosen snippets offer moments of contemplation, highlighting the author's attention to detail and thorough research. They enrich the reading experience, providing additional depth to the narrative.
🥰 The writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book an enjoyable read despite its heavy themes. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers invested in the story while allowing for necessary moments of introspection. The characters are vividly drawn, with their flaws and complexities making them relatable and human.
Happy reading 😁 😁
#bookreview
Title: Kintsugi
Author: Kezia Kos
Rating:5/5
Review:
🥰📚 Kintsugi by Kezia Kos is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that immerses readers in the intricate dynamics of family relationships and the impact of mental health. The story revolves around Kez, a Brazilian corporate worker who has finally fulfilled her dream of living in Europe, leaving behind a troubled family life. However, her newfound peace is shattered when she receives news of her father's declining health, compelling her to return to Brazil with her manager, Max.
📚 Through vivid storytelling, Kos takes us on a journey from the cotton plantations of Pernambuco to the corporate offices of São Paulo and Frankfurt. The rich cultural and historical context enhances the narrative, providing depth and authenticity to Kez's experiences. The seamless blend of personal and historical elements is a testament to Kos's skillful storytelling.
🥰 The novel excels in its raw and honest depiction of mental health issues within the family. Kez's struggle with a narcissistic mother, a chronically ill father, a schizophrenic brother, and a grandmother with a disturbing past is portrayed with unflinching honesty. These complex relationships allow readers to empathize deeply with Kez and understand the profound impact of her family's dynamics on her mental well-being.
📚 Kos's inclusion of poignant quotes throughout the book adds layers of meaning and reflection. These well-chosen snippets offer moments of contemplation, highlighting the author's attention to detail and thorough research. They enrich the reading experience, providing additional depth to the narrative.
🥰 The writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book an enjoyable read despite its heavy themes. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers invested in the story while allowing for necessary moments of introspection. The characters are vividly drawn, with their flaws and complexities making them relatable and human.
Happy reading 😁 😁
#bookreview
August 10, 2024
I have a penchant for stories steeped in family dynamics, and Kezia’s book “Kintsugi” was no exception. This gripping narrative follows Kez, a young Brazilian woman who has carved out a successful life in the corporate world of Frankfurt, Germany, leaving behind the family conflicts in Brazil.
However, Kez's carefully constructed world unravels when she receives devastating news from her aunt: her mother has passed away, and her father is critically ill. Overwhelmed by the unexpected blow, Kez spirals into a panic attack, but her friend and manager, Max, steps in to comfort her. When Kez was twelve years old, she told her dad that she would live abroad and now it's her reality. She dreaded going back home where her nosy relatives were waiting for her. The thought of facing her intrusive relatives feels more like entering a cage than going home, a sentiment she confides in Max during their journey.
Kezia’s writing is powerful and unflinchingly honest, resonating deeply with anyone who has dealt with a difficult family background. The story is compelling from start to finish, with no dull moments. I particularly admired how Kez turned her childhood dream of living abroad into reality.
Rating 4.5/5
However, Kez's carefully constructed world unravels when she receives devastating news from her aunt: her mother has passed away, and her father is critically ill. Overwhelmed by the unexpected blow, Kez spirals into a panic attack, but her friend and manager, Max, steps in to comfort her. When Kez was twelve years old, she told her dad that she would live abroad and now it's her reality. She dreaded going back home where her nosy relatives were waiting for her. The thought of facing her intrusive relatives feels more like entering a cage than going home, a sentiment she confides in Max during their journey.
Kezia’s writing is powerful and unflinchingly honest, resonating deeply with anyone who has dealt with a difficult family background. The story is compelling from start to finish, with no dull moments. I particularly admired how Kez turned her childhood dream of living abroad into reality.
Rating 4.5/5
August 10, 2024
This is the story of Kez who has all kinds of creatures in her family. Her mother was a narcissist, father was chronically ill and her brother was schizophrenic. Kez has left her family behind in Brazil and escaped to Frankfurt for a promising career. She now works in Germany and Max is her boss.
One day, Kez received the news that her mom is dead and her father is in critical condition. Even though she never wanted to return to her home that is no less than a birdcage, the unexpected situation took her back to Brazil. Max also accompanied her to her home as Kez was panicking because of the tragic news.
Read this book to dive deep into family drama, toxic relationships within the family, mental health, work life abroad, etc. The language used in the book is lucid and I loved every bit of this book. Kez's character is my favorite and I had a great time reading this book. It would be interesting to read more books by the author in the future.
One day, Kez received the news that her mom is dead and her father is in critical condition. Even though she never wanted to return to her home that is no less than a birdcage, the unexpected situation took her back to Brazil. Max also accompanied her to her home as Kez was panicking because of the tragic news.
Read this book to dive deep into family drama, toxic relationships within the family, mental health, work life abroad, etc. The language used in the book is lucid and I loved every bit of this book. Kez's character is my favorite and I had a great time reading this book. It would be interesting to read more books by the author in the future.
August 11, 2024
“How would you deal with the knowledge that someone’s presence in your life is toxic, but you still have to live with their interference day in and day out."
One phone call turned Kez's stable life in Germany upside down. She was told that her mother passed away and her father is in a critical condition. Her dad has been sick with leukemia for over ten years and treatments didn't make his condition better.
Kez has to go home in Brazil and identify the bodies. When she reached her home in Brazil, her relatives asked if her boss Max is her boyfriend. Kez has mentioned how growing up in a toxic family affected her mental health. To keep her remaining sanity, she ran away to Germany.
This is an unputdownable book. The book is well paced and hooked me to it till the last page. The writing style of the author is amazing and being a corporate employee, I enjoyed it a lot. The narration is smooth and strong. I was pulled into the story so much. It would be amazing to watch a movie based on this book story.
One phone call turned Kez's stable life in Germany upside down. She was told that her mother passed away and her father is in a critical condition. Her dad has been sick with leukemia for over ten years and treatments didn't make his condition better.
Kez has to go home in Brazil and identify the bodies. When she reached her home in Brazil, her relatives asked if her boss Max is her boyfriend. Kez has mentioned how growing up in a toxic family affected her mental health. To keep her remaining sanity, she ran away to Germany.
This is an unputdownable book. The book is well paced and hooked me to it till the last page. The writing style of the author is amazing and being a corporate employee, I enjoyed it a lot. The narration is smooth and strong. I was pulled into the story so much. It would be amazing to watch a movie based on this book story.
June 7, 2024
Short Review of Kintsugi by Kezia Kos
*Kintsugi* by Kezia Kos is a poignant novel that explores the aftermath of a devastating family tragedy. The protagonist, Kezia, receives a life-changing phone call about the death of her parents, prompting her to return to Brazil from Germany. The narrative delves into themes of grief, cultural identity, and resilience, drawing on the metaphor of kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, to symbolize Kezia’s journey of healing and self-discovery. Kos's direct and evocative writing captures the emotional depth and complexity of navigating personal loss, making *Kintsugi* a touching and reflective read on finding beauty in brokenness.
*Kintsugi* by Kezia Kos is a poignant novel that explores the aftermath of a devastating family tragedy. The protagonist, Kezia, receives a life-changing phone call about the death of her parents, prompting her to return to Brazil from Germany. The narrative delves into themes of grief, cultural identity, and resilience, drawing on the metaphor of kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, to symbolize Kezia’s journey of healing and self-discovery. Kos's direct and evocative writing captures the emotional depth and complexity of navigating personal loss, making *Kintsugi* a touching and reflective read on finding beauty in brokenness.
June 21, 2024
Kintsugi is a great, rambling family drama which traverses decades, generations, continents and cultures in the pursuit of self-discovery. It tells the story of a young Brazilian woman, Kez, her fraught relationships with her neurotic mother, schizophrenic brother and the only anchor in her life: her adoring father. It is a warts-and-all portrayal of the imploding of a family due to mental and physical illness. However, through it all, Kez discovers that like broken shards of pottery, a life can be pieced back together and that strength can come from enduring adversity.
This is an absorbing story that reads more like memoir than fiction due to the intimacy of the first person narrative.
This is an absorbing story that reads more like memoir than fiction due to the intimacy of the first person narrative.
September 22, 2024
Kezia’s storytelling is truly captivating. Her writing has a way of drawing you in so deeply that you feel like you are right there, experiencing every moment. This book tells the story of a young Brazilian woman who moves abroad to escape the complexities of toxic family dynamics. Through vivid flashbacks, we are taken back to her life in Brazil, a life filled with both bittersweet memories and family tragedies. I highly recommend this book and am eagerly looking forward to the sequel and Kezia’s future works!
January 27, 2025
was inspired to read this (south american fiction/bibliographical/historical genre) after watching Netflix's 100 years of solitude. I'm sure with the right cast and director (and more of the usual tantalizing sex/violence), it would be an online hit. this book provides an intriguing social commentary about Brazil, a glimpse of upward mobility, white-collar work life, interspersed with bits of the author's personal life in a few continents. ended up reading it in one go, now i need to share it with someone!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews