In Force Majeure by Graziella Montalbán, readers are introduced to Carla, a young woman on the brink of her 24th birthday. Through her reflective gaze in the mirror, we are confronted with the raw remnants of her tumultuous past – from visible scars to the haunting vestiges of numerous battles with mental health.

Carla ventures to Geneva, leaving behind the suffocating environment of her home in Spain, marred by family strife and addiction. Despite starting in a less-than-ideal living condition, her journey becomes a testament to resilience and the human spirit’s ability to seek solace. Montalbán artfully weaves Carla’s newfound love for cinema into the narrative, providing both Carla and the reader moments of escape and solace amidst the shadows of her past.

The voice of Carla is rich and memorable – at times infused with a sharp, dark wit and striking turns of phrase, such as “With the confidence of someone who licks the floors of the New York subway car…”

Force Majeure does require some patience. While evocative, Montalbán’s intricate and dense prose can occasionally feel overwhelming, mirroring Carla’s own tendencies to delve deep into her psyche and past. This might challenge some readers to follow the central narrative thread.

A standout feature of this novel is its nuanced portrayal of living with depression, punctuated by profound references to classic films. The story culminates in a conclusion that is both unexpected and rooted in stark realism.

Force Majeure is a gripping piece of women’s fiction, shedding light on sensitive topics with a strong protagonist. Montalbán showcases a commendable command over language; she is poised to become a formidable voice in contemporary literature.

Pages: 340 | ASIN : B0C2968M4R