I am conflicted on how I feel about Trust Exercise. The first half of the book I quite enjoyed, and then a time shift occurs that changes the perspective on the story entirely, as well as narrators. Just as I was becoming accustomed to the shift, a second time shift occurs that further makes us question the reliability (or, ironically, the trustworthiness) of the narrators. The ending left me cold, and confused. Certain events that happen seem to come out of nowhere, and never get resolved. Decent book, but hated the ending.

Maybe because there is so much political and cultural deception these days, reading literary deception - however acclaimed to be brilliant - was tiring. I'm sure it's just me but only because of the reviews did I struggle for as long as I did. Yes - adolesence is portrayed beautifully and creepy teachers as well. Yes - Choi is a gifted writer. Yes - this is how we evidently "do" novels these days. Count me out on this one.

What a slog and for no plot payoff. I enjoy books that play with timelines and perceptions but this was confusing, for no reason, though it keeps you just enough interested to see how it plays out as it does seem as it is driving to something, but then it doesn’t. There are messages here about being a girl in high school and the after effects that linger as well as sexual abuse, but I couldn’t discern them enough to thoughtfully discuss.

economist review april 2019