Susen Edwards

Content warning: this book contains a copious amount of mature, controversial subject matter.

It was the age of acid, it was the age of alcohol, it was certainly the age of foolishness, and yet there was little wisdom to be found here…for alas, this book is far from Dickens. Edwards’ debut is framed as an epic coming-of-age story, set in the politically volatile, late 60s/early 70s America. The aptly titled novel shows the intoxicating highs, lows, and dreams of eighteen-year-old Fiona O’Brien as she embarks on a tumultuous journey of self discovery.

The reader is drawn into a whirlwind tour of Woodstock, protests against the Vietnam War, and the sex, drugs, and experimental mentality that defined a generation. Edwards’ imagining feels like a time machine, capturing an era where all was ugly and wild and free. It is easy to draw parallels between fierce anti-war protests against the Vietnam War and current events. Remembering the widespread public protests against violence in the 70s brings to mind the ongoing plight of Ukraine today. Despite more than half a century elapsing between Fiona’s time and ours, it makes you ultimately wonder: what has changed?

I had several difficulties with this book. The first issue is the author’s prose, which is rather like her main character Fiona; juvenile, fighting with itself, impressionable and experimental. It was hard to get behind the characters, because they were very unlikable, in my opinion. So many of their actions are irresponsible, and Edwards makes no move to redeem them. The ending will either thrill the reader or make them quite angry: it is completely open, leaving you wondering if Fiona ever learned anything. While this book is indeed a rollicking and raucous trip, it is not one I’d care to take again.… (más)