Mother-daughter novel 'Resa med Borges' called a mediocre bonding project

A recent review has panned "Resa med Borges" (Traveling with Borges), a novel penned by mother-daughter duo Eva and Karin Ström, labeling it a "mediocre bonding project." The reviewer expresses initial skepticism about mother-daughter collaborations, which, unfortunately, the book failed to dispel.

The novel centers on six middle-class individuals from Stockholm who embark on a literary journey to Buenos Aires, following in the footsteps of the renowned Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges. Led by their Spanish teacher, Ramón, the group prepares by studying selected Borges texts. The narrative aims to explore the transformative power of literature and the unexpected challenges that arise when Ramón experiences a psychological crisis triggered by his return to his hometown.

However, the reviewer finds the plot's tension lacking, as the outcome feels predetermined. The primary criticism targets the underdeveloped characters, who are described as lacking distinct voices and personal tones. Each chapter is narrated from a different traveler's perspective, but the lack of individualization makes it difficult for the reader to connect with their experiences or find the journey engaging.

While acknowledging that the novel is not entirely "awful," the reviewer ultimately deems it "mediocre." The critique suggests that the book might have been more fulfilling for its creators than for its audience, failing to overcome the initial prejudice that such personal projects can sometimes be more enjoyable to write than to read.