The Past is Red

Book Review

"The Past is Red" by Catherynne M. Valente is a vivid and unusual novel that transports readers to a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is forced to survive on a floating island of trash. The protagonist, Tetley Blue, lives in this world and tries to find her place amidst chaos and destruction. Critics highlight Valente's unique style, which blends elements of magical realism and science fiction. The author's language is rich with metaphors and poeticism, making the book a captivating and engaging read. Many reviewers emphasize that Valente succeeds in creating deep and multi-layered characters that provoke thought about the future of humanity and ecology. However, some critics feel that due to the abundance of symbolism and complex narrative structure, the book can be challenging to grasp. Overall, "The Past is Red" receives positive reviews for its originality and boldness in exploring themes rarely addressed in contemporary literature.