Reviews for The Stillest Day

The average rating for The Stillest Day based on 2 reviews is 3.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2015-02-24 00:00:00 Randall Ivey Rarely do we get to see the intimate thoughts and ever-consuming emotions of others causing us to believe that we are unique with our own feelings. Yet, humans all share a dark edge, inescapable even if avoidable. Josephine Hart explores this depth in her psychological novel, "The Stillest Day". On the surface, "The Stillest Day" is a simple novel in terms of plot: the pages merely profile the range of emotions and compulsions of Bethesda Barnet, whom lives a routine life broken by her sudden obsession with a new man in town. This sounds easy enough but there is more to "The Stillest Day". Much, much more. "The Stillest Day" is an extraordinary piece of writing combining simplicity with elegance and depth in a novel which feels like classically-written literature but on an accessible level. Containing elements of suspense, stream of consciousness, philosophy, and emotional/character studies; "The Stillest Day" is a sort of gothic-noir piece. Yet, Hart doesn't force any of this; as the text flows freely and speaks for itself. The same can be said of Bethesda's characterization which is unique and multi-faceted and yet relatable as Bethesda is everyone. She is you. She is me. Hart uses Bethesda to say out loud what we hold inside: thoughts/feelings we have all experienced which results in the reader being relieved to learn he/she is not alone. "The Stillest Day" has an angle of philosophy to it more so exploring emotion and coming-of-age than some eventful plot. All of this is written in a poetic and lyrical way which begs the reader to dictate quotes onto paper for later use. Hart phrases human emotion and life's ways with an ease we will wish we could. The climax of "The Stillest Day" (which relates to the title); is surprising but calm with the events and pages after the climax sponging up the excitement (the climax acts as the calm before the storm, as they say). The pace quickens and yet still has a relaxing essence. The concluding chapters of "The Stillest Day" are weaker in their emotional impact and are, bluntly, 'weird'. Meaning, they are a little confusing and leave many questions unanswered. Yet, despite this, the text is ripe with symbolism which leaves the reader with "food for thought". The ending is mediocre but decent in its sendoff. "The Stillest Day" is a strong "thinking novel" which certainly won't appeal to everyone and targets the more discerning reader. It is difficult to describe and yet the novel is not easily forgotten. Hart's writing is either loved or hated so proceed with caution. Despite these warnings, "The Stillest Day" is suggested for readers interested in darker subject matter with underlying meaning.

Review # 2 was written on 2011-01-24 00:00:00 Katrina Whitworth "We put down each day carefully, as though it were linen already pressed, which fell back into its folds and was carefully returned to its proper place" (13). "Man's naked feet were nailed when I first saw them as a child. It is the same for many children" (70). " 'Anyone who requires less than daily absolution is simply suffering from moral cataracts'" (77). "We permit authority. And the rustle of rules as we brush against them creates the illusion of a silken cradle" (151). "The identification of oneself is a conundrum. Proved in the mirror more often than in the eye of another?" (162). *This is my second foray into the world of Josephine Hart. I do not believe I'll make another.