Review 307: What You Can See from Here

What You Can See from Here by Mariana Leky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was originally published in German a few years ago and now have an English translation. The setting is in a small village, with its share of quirky characters. The main character is Luisa, young for the first part of the book and then around 15 years later, grown yet still young. book. She experiences childhood trauma with her best friend, Martin, whom she knew she’d marry, ends up in a tragic accident. Luisa’s father travels around the world more than is at home, but he bought a dog they end up naming Alaska. Her grandmother seems to be the one who is more the center of her world than her parents. Also, the optician, who is secretly (not so secretly) in love with her grandmother.

Despite the difficulties the characters face the book is more focused on love, and some of the unusual ways that it ends up being expressed. There is a light-heartedness in this book, that makes you think no matter the difficulties or what happens, it can be overcome. This was an enjoyable read, and fans of Frederick Backman will likely enjoy this book as well.