Calamities

“Calamities” by Renee Gladman is an exquisite, captivating and thought-provoking read. It takes readers on a journey into the mind of protagonist Rae, as she navigates her way through an unnamed city, exploring its questions and unknowns with curiosity and insight. Gladman’s prose is beautifully crafted and evokes a sense of the surreal in its exploration of identity, belonging, exile and belonging. The book paints a vivid picture of a place where society has been turned upside down and explores the ways in which individuals cope with the disorientation that comes with living in such a place. In doing so, it offers an insightful look into how we make meaning out of life’s calamities and find our way back to ourselves.