[Book review]: Her Fearful Symmetry

Audrey Niffenegger, the author of The Time Traveler's Wife. That was what prompted me to pick up Her Fearful Symmetry.

I prefer The Time Traveler's Wife, it is more refreshing and intricately put together. Her Fearful Symmetry pales in comparison on closing the book, or so I thought. However the title was apt. I read that book idly, whenever I could find a breather in my hectic schedule. I finished it a couple of hours before bed time. While I slowly dozed off, there was a nuance in the plot that struck me. I froze and was jolted into full consciousness. For a split moment, I was filled with terror, much like an empty jug with water. I could feel the horror at the realisation of the extent we could go to sabotage and manipulate the lives of someone we can claim to love.

Spoiler alert:
Did Elspeth get herself pregnant on purpose so she would never be forgotten by her twin? That seems to match the hints in the beginning of the book when she mentioned how dying is like being erased. It seems as though the focus was on the twins, how they interacted with the various characters in the story but Elspeth was the strong silent focal point, she seemed to be overshadowed or sharing the stage at best but it is her I end up wondering about, even after I have closed the book.

The book is on obsession, on love? When we talk about loving other people, is it a mere extension or projection of the massive selfish love we have for ourselves?

Her Fearful Symmetry appears lacklustre at first but the darkness grows. I have to admit that in terms of writing, Audrey Niffenegger excels and as time progresses and I am allowed to digest the book, I retract my hasty judgement. The story slowly seeps in. The subtle layering grows increasingly evident, where each character has their purpose and multi-dimentional complexities, allowing you to question and wonder. It was impossible for me to love any one of them or hate any one of them and I laud Audrey Niffenegger for that.

It took me some time but I reach the conclusion that Her Fearful Symmetry is a brillant piece, in a different league from The Time Traveller's Wife. At least when you close the book, the take-away feeling is different, it was almost like they were from two separate authors. Her Fearful Symmetry lies on my shelf and it is as though the characters continues to live and breathe. They remain indelible in the realms of my imagination everytime I happen to glance upon that book.