A Month in the Country

Quiet, yet powerful. J.L. Carr takes us for a calm, almost serene walk along the english countryside. As the protagonist recalls the memories he made during this summer in Oxgodby, he shares plenty of feelings with the reader. Reaching deep to dig out an unusually profound feeling of fullfilment and a view on life that is clearly shaped by the hellish landscape of the first World War make for a grounding experience that slowly envelopes you without even a hint of a rush. What makes this novel great is its choice to remain in place, to take in every breath and every look with a silent appreciation that makes you feel like time has stopped just for you. Even though this very stillness can come across as a bit standoff-ish, if you give this short book a chance, the experience is unlike any other.