Solvej Balle: On The Calculation Of Volume (Book 1)

We've all seen time loop stories before. It's impossible not to compare any take on that premise to Groundhog Day. This angle was interesting that she does leave an impact on the world. And she does change herself: it has me wondering if she is stuck here for years if she’d become an old woman still reliving a day where nobody else ages.

But this is A LOT of time and pages dedicated to just trying to figure out the mechanics of this scenario. I want to try the next book to see if she gains more agency or insight. It’s well written with good prose and rumination on the repetitions of daily life. But is it a good story? That remains to be seen.

There is no agency so far: there is a seeking for it, but so far she’s helpless at every turn. I think I'll read Book 2 to see if the plot has any direction to it. But so far I'd say it is elegant writing of an unnecessary story.