Pastoralia

This book is a collection of short stories that share many recurring themes and a similar style of presentation. Most of the stories follow a protagonist who is down on his luck, living with people who don't respect or value him. He spends much of his time wishing and daydreaming that his life could be different. The endings are often ambiguous or sad, reinforcing a sense of hopelessness. The majority of the book is told through a stream-of-consciousness style, immersing the reader in the protagonist’s mental ramblings and inner turmoil. While this approach adds depth, it also made the stories feel repetitive and emotionally draining after a while. I actually had to take a break before finishing because it became too depressing and monotonous. That said, a few stories stood out and left a lasting impression. Even now, I still find myself thinking about them from time to time. they say we write as a form of therapy and I hope the author doesn't find his characters too relatable.