Thrust

Thrust moves between three main timelines: a future water-world version of New York City, the construction of the Statue of Liberty in the 1880s, and several points in American history connected by a mysterious book. The story follows Laisvė, a young "carrier" who can travel through time and water to deliver objects that shape both past and future. The narrative centers on encounters between workers, children, outcasts and immigrants as they navigate oppression and resistance across different eras. A French sculptor, a Native American cleaning woman, and a group of survivors in a drowned city become linked through Laisvė's journeys. The novel examines American myths and monuments while questioning ideas of freedom, power and human connection. Using elements of speculative fiction and historical fiction, it presents an alternative view of pivotal moments in U.S. history through the perspectives of those often excluded from official narratives. The interwoven storylines create a meditation on climate catastrophe, immigration, sexuality and the stories we tell about ourselves as a nation. Through its experimental structure and blend of genres, the book challenges linear concepts of time while exploring cycles of violence and possibility.

Readers describe Thrust as a challenging, experimental novel that requires focus and patience. Many note the need to re-read passages to follow the nonlinear narrative structure. Readers appreciate: - The poetic, lyrical writing style - Complex themes about climate change and human connection - LGBTQ+ representation and body-positive elements - The inventive blending of past, present and future timelines Common criticisms: - Confusing plot that's difficult to follow - Too many characters and storylines - Writing style feels pretentious to some - Sexual content makes some readers uncomfortable Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Beautiful writing but I felt lost most of the time" - Goodreads reviewer "Had to work hard to piece the narrative together" - Amazon reviewer "The experimental structure rewards careful reading" - LibraryThing reviewer "Couldn't connect with any of the characters" - StoryGraph reviewer

The Book of X by Sarah Rose Etter The tale of a woman born with a knot in her body follows surreal, visceral elements while exploring bodily autonomy and generational trauma.

Earthlings by Sayaka Murata A girl who believes she comes from another planet confronts societal expectations through a narrative that blends body horror with social commentary.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang A woman's decision to stop eating meat spirals into a meditation on power, control, and the relationship between body and self.

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado Stories merge folklore with body horror to examine women's experiences through a lens of magical realism and corporeal transformation.

The Factory by Hiroko Oyamada Three workers navigate a mysterious factory complex in a narrative that deconstructs capitalism through surreal body transformations and environmental decay.

🌊 The novel weaves together multiple timelines spanning from the 1800s to a climate-changed future where Manhattan is underwater. 🗽 The Statue of Liberty plays a central role in the narrative, with storylines connected to both its construction in the 1880s and its partially submerged state in a future New York. 📚 Lidia Yuknavitch drew inspiration from Walt Whitman's poetry, particularly "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry," which also explores connections across time in New York Harbor. 🏆 The book was named one of the Best Books of 2022 by outlets including The New York Times, The New Yorker, and TIME magazine. 🌍 The author collaborated with climate scientists while writing the novel to create a scientifically plausible vision of how rising sea levels might affect New York City in the future.