The Mookse and the Gripes discussion

A Leopard-Skin Hat by Anne Serre translated by Mark Hutchinson (Lolli Editions),

There was a lot to like in this one - and delighted for Lolli Editions in what might be there last year.

But it didn't quite work for me - its a fascinating and complex character study, but one that at times makes for a slightly frustrating read as the reader, or at least this reader, fails to pin down Fanny's attributes, but that in turn perhaps reflects the nature of her mental illnesses.

I think if I did not know what motivated the author to write it - a tribute to her sister - I would view this very differently … nog just because as you imply Paul Fanny seems a hard character to really understand with her character seeming to change frequently, but also as I think the role and tone of the male narrator would make me uneasy (and from looking at Goodreads reviews there are quite a few comments like that)

But actually it’s effectively a spiritual elegy to and a celebration of a life lived bravely

That was exactly my thought GY! I know I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much as I did if I had viewed the narrator as just a male friend and not superimposed the author into this role and thought of the relationship as that of sisters.

I read this in January. I enjoyed it, and I think it felt genuine. Living with or caring about someone with mental health issues is messy, exhausting, unpredictable, but can also be hopeful, funny and loving. I think the book reflected this. I was not sure about the relationship between the narrator and Fanny, but I did like that between Fanny and her father.

My thoughts(including on what inspired the first line of the novel)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...