INTIMACIES

by Katie Kitamura

I am particularly drawn to books that transport me to a different place and make me feel like I become one with the story.  Both books that I’ve chosen to review this month are exceptionally atmospheric and did carry me away.  Intimacies, relates the story of a young woman living in the Hague with a job as an interpreter at the Court.  She has recently left her home in New York after her father’s death and her mother’s subsequent move to her native Singapore.  The novel considers the phenomenon of feeling like you belong—or not. Going deeper, the author explores what intimacy looks like and how difficult it is for some people to find it.

The protagonist in Intimacies manages to procure an extremely competitive job where her extensive knowledge of a variety of languages and her strong work ethic propel her towards early success and advancement.  But she feels disconnected from the world of the Court and struggles with how theatrics seem to take precedence over justice.  Similarly, as a bi-racial woman, she feels strangely empathetic towards some of the third-world prisoners on trial and uncomfortably repelled by the prosecutors. Likewise, she gets involved in a romantic relationship with a married man.  When he leaves her for what becomes an extended period of time in order to visit his wife, she questions herself and the depth of their relationship. Is she wrong to wait for him?

Kitamura brilliantly draws the reader into the protagonist’s mind and makes you feel what she is feeling.  The main character wants fiercely to feel like she belongs.  At the same time, she experiences an existential apprehension that she is an observer of her own life.  Intimacies is a powerful, sensitive, beautiful novel – one not to miss. (Liz)