NVK

July 1, 2019
The listless day-by-day narrative of Drake’s debut purports to give a glimpse into immortality but unironically feels like it drags on forever. Blond-haired, dark-eyed Naemi catches the attention of Zhang Guo Xing, a businessman passing through Shanghai in 2012. An air of mystery envelops Naemi, and soon Zhang is deep in an affair with her. Alternating points of view from Naemi and Zhang slowly reveal the simultaneous tension and tedium of Naemi’s unnaturally long life. Naemi leaves a trail of heartbreak and pain, and superstition leads Zhang to fear her, but he nonetheless finds her irresistible. The final revelation is disappointing, and the bland, straightforward writing undermines the narrative’s insistence that Naemi is mysterious and unknowable. Gothic and paranormal fans will appreciate some elements of this cryptic story, but overall it’s a letdown.