Cristoff is a gifted writer, employing a variety of techniques to build the character of her protagonist and give us a sense of how her mind works. One particularly effective technique is Cristoff’s writing of lists ... Her list-making serves as a way of illuminating Mara’s mind ... Include Me Out...puts the reader in an uncomfortable position, forcing them to make judgments that feel like a stretch either way. Neither rejection of Mara and the premises of her experiment, nor unconsidered sympathy for her in her plight, feel right. It’s complicated ... Include Me Out asks its readers to wrestle with questions of how a story is being told, and who is telling it. Without such wrestling, understanding is fleeting. Include Me Out demonstrates an entirely new dimension to Cristoff’s work; I’m eager for whatever comes next.
A careful and deliberate portrait, pointedly translated, Include Me Out paints a memorable, authentic cast that stays with us long after we have finished reading ... Right out of the gate, the reader is struck by Mara’s peculiarities and curiosities ... Simply put, Mara is a fascinating character, and the reader can’t help but want to get to know her more ... Silver’s translation is, without a doubt, elegant, faithful, and well-constructed ... A curious tale unlike much of what is on the shelves today, Include Me Out is a refreshing reminder that good literature comes in various forms. Readers will find comfort and resolve in Silver’s masterful prose, even when the plot forces them to question the nature of work, relationships, and the noise of their everyday lives.
