The Wise Owl Picks
The March Trio
Here are some books The Wise Owl has taken note of ...
Samantha Harvey’s Orbital is a mesmerizing and contemplative novel that takes readers on an introspective journey through space and time. Set aboard the International Space Station over a single day, the novel follows six astronauts as they orbit Earth, experiencing the vastness of the cosmos while reflecting on their lives below.
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Harvey’s prose is lyrical and immersive, weaving together moments of awe, longing, and existential wonder. The novel’s structure—fluid and almost meditative—mirrors the weightlessness of its setting, creating an ethereal reading experience. Rather than focusing on plot, Orbital delves into the fragility of human existence, the insignificance of borders from above, and the paradox of being closer to the universe yet farther from home.
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A novel of ideas and atmosphere, Orbital is a profound meditation on perspective, time, and what it means to be human in the face of infinity. Harvey has crafted a quiet yet deeply resonant
Han Kang’s Greek Lessons is a deeply introspective novel that explores language, loss, and human connection. The story follows a woman who, after a profound personal tragedy, loses her ability to speak. She enrolls in a Greek language class, where her teacher—a man slowly losing his eyesight—becomes attuned to her silence. Their fragile bond unfolds through fragmented narratives, reflecting themes of memory, grief, and the limitations of communication.
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Han’s prose, translated by Deborah Smith and Emily Yae Won, is lyrical and meditative, capturing the raw interiority of her characters with poetic precision. Like The Vegetarian and Human Acts, this novel is haunting in its quiet intensity, immersing readers in an emotional landscape where words are both refuge and barrier. Greek Lessons is a profound meditation on the power of language and the ways in which human beings seek connection, even in silence and solitude.
Sangeeta Sharma’s Under the Sapphire Sky is a luminous poetry collection that seamlessly blends classical elegance with contemporary insight. With a keen eye for both the micro and macro, Sharma navigates themes of nature, existential reflection, and modern dilemmas with lyrical precision. Her poetry, rich in imagery and intellectual depth, evokes the spirit of literary greats like Rumi and Yosa Buson while retaining her own distinct voice.
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Sharma’s exploration of ecology, alienation, and mortality resonates deeply, offering both poignant personal reflections and broader cultural observations. Her dual heritage as a Canadian of Indian origin infuses the collection with a unique sensibility, bridging seasonal contrasts and diverse worldviews. This collection is not only a poetic journey but also a heartfelt plea for environmental stewardship and human connection. Thought-provoking and evocative, Under the Sapphire Sky is a compelling read that will captivate poetry lovers and thinkers alike.