Publisher: Granta
Publication Date: 4th May 2023
Once you’ve known her, it’s hard to go back to a time before’
The premise of Chrysalis by Anna Metcalfe really interested me, a story about a woman told from the perspective of three people in her life who each are fascinated observers.
Firstly Elliott, a man in the woman’s gym who sees a bold and forthright woman come in one day and turn his head. He watches her physical transformation from a step removed but with ever increasing fascination. When they eventually do connect she utterly transfixes him.
The narrative then switches to the woman’s mother Bella, she tells us about the woman’s childhood. How she brought her up as a single mother in a quite isolated environment and found it hard to connect with her. Her daughter had issues with physical tremors that no doctor seemed to be able to get to the bottom of and only really abated when the girls much loved school teacher gave her a meditation cassette. We also get to hear about their quite fractured relationship as the girl grows into a woman and the mother tries to find ways to connect with her daughter.
Lastly we hear from the woman’s colleague. A woman who rescued her and took her in when she was having a hard time. The colleague, Susie, finds herself desperately hoping that the woman won’t ever leave.
In fact all three people wish she wouldn’t leave their lives. Unfortunately that is exactly what she does. Following a traumatic relationship the woman relies heavily on transforming herself, not only becoming physically stronger but mentally stronger too by using meditation and opting for an isolated life. She uses these methods to connect with an ever growing social media following, advocating cutting people out of your life, severing familial ties and living a still and quiet existence.
The three people around her have to watch from afar and only be tuned into her life through her social media channels.
This woman was so fascinating to me. I didnt know whether I understood her or even liked her but I enjoyed the challenge of trying to figure her out. Anna Metcalfe’s writing is fresh and contemporary, including aspects of modern life we’re all becoming familiar with. The effects of viewing other peoples lives through social media and becoming influenced by other peoples actions and values.
I loved viewing this fascinating woman through the eyes of those around her. Three people who orbit her and are in awe, wanting to get closer whilst she moves further away. A woman who wants to focus on herself and improving her life at the expense of distancing those invested people around her.
I loved it.
Thank you George Stamp and Granta for my review copy.
See you all soon.
Amanda @bookishchat. Xx
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