More Ali Reviews

Ron Charles, writing in the Washington Post, is not particularly taken with Monica Ali’s new novel, Alentejo Blue.

Monica Ali’s debut, the sensitive, subtly witty Brick Lane , was one of the best novels of 2003. Now, with Alentejo Blue , she’s produced one of the best books of 1926. This spare, unrelentingly depressing story about several lost generations might have delighted Gertrude Stein and made Hemingway green with envy, but whether readers will want to subject themselves to it now seems doubtful. Searching for this title online, don’t be surprised if you get a pop-up ad for Prozac.

Other reviewers appear to agree. I’m really disappointed, but let’s face it, I’ll probably pick up the book and give it a try anyway.