C is an enigma: nameless, ageless, faceless, at odds with herself and searching for answers about the world she inhabits. The author's style is very surrealistic and not always an easy read but the symbolism is at times outstanding. The giant penetrating eye is like something out of an Orwellian nightmare. The story really comes to life when C reaches Paris and walks the streets in search of answers, returning nightly to her room, and the black cat that stalks her like a witch's familiar until the sharing of a fish supper brings friendship and affection.

A contemporary fiction novella, C's Crime by Birte Leseberg takes very little time to read. Set in the 1980s, an unnamed female protagonist works in a laboratory. Her witnessing of a crime causes her safe world to unravel and sets off a personal crisis in her life. So, she undertakes a journey to find her equilibrium and seek understanding of her crime. A most difficult novella to comprehend, as the narrative is almost surreal at times and C’s confusion is somewhat contagious. With lots of imagery and long paragraphs this makes for a difficult read, so only a two star rating. With thanks to Matador and the author, for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.

I really enjoyed this read, it was well paced with a well written narrative, a well executed storyline and well developed and engaging characters. I found the story intriguing and I was compelled the whole way through, I couldnt put it down.