“Bohemia” by Veronika Carnaby.
Summary: “In her debut novel, Veronika Carnaby picks up where the Beat Generation left off. Set in 1960, Bohemia chronicles a group of twenty-somethings who defy the “ideals” of a mid-twentieth century society to seek creative fulfillment. In the process, they spotlight the creative path that artists of all mediums tread, all the while depicting the challenges faced by youth in the decade that changed the world.“
Age: Adult; Genres: Literary, Women, Fiction; Settings: Historical/Contemporary (1960s), England, USA; Other Categories: Novel, Debut, Speculative.
Introduction: Originally, I was holding today’s post to put up a review of an ARC I received recently. However, after struggling to get through half of the novel (yes, I stuck with it THAT long), I realized that I had to stop reading it, because it frustrated me too much to continue. That’s when I thought… rather than leave the day without a new post (because I haven’t any other reviews ready at the moment), perhaps I could go back and put up a post about a novel that I couldn’t finish reading, and explain what made me put it on my DNF shelf. This book is actually the first ARC I ever put on my DNF shelf (and yes, it hurt)!
I’m calling this #DNF Friday #1 because… maybe I’ll do more of these – if people appreciate them! Let me know in the comments what you think.
Also, please let me know which of these two graphics you prefer – Right or Left?
Disclaimer: These are my personal opinions. I do not expect anyone to agree with anything here, and in fact, I’m certain that many will disagree and/or even hate many of the things I’ve written below. Sorry about that, but you are always welcome to express your own opinions – be they contrary or comparable – in the comments section below (and in fact, I encourage you to change my mind). So, with that out of the way… let the controversy begin!
Why I can’t write a Book Review for “Bohemia” by Veronika Carnaby.
While the premise of this book is a good one – following a group of Cambridge graduates in the 1960s through their adventures in England and the US – I just couldn’t finish reading this one, for several reasons.
For example, almost immediately upon beginning this novel, I found mixed metaphors, curious language, inconsistent character development (and not just because they decide to be spontaneous), action taking place that seems out of context and not matching with what happened so far in the story, use of American slang by a group of Brits (that didn’t feel like it was done ironically), and more. Now, I understand that Carnaby is also a poet, and her prose is described as “beat-style.” I’m afraid I didn’t get much poetry hear, and I’m not sure what “beat-style” means.
In addition, I found many grammatical errors (misused words, incomplete sentences, and even several glaring misspellings). If that’s what they mean by “beat-style” then call me old-fashioned, I prefer a book that doesn’t murder the English language. This also troubled me because it also meant that I found it difficult to understand what the author was trying to say at times. Furthermore, it was difficult to become sympathetic with any of the four main protagonists. If I don’t care what happens to any of the characters, then why read on, right?
I do hope that I’ve gotten the wrong impression (and if others have read and loved this book, I hope you’ll tell me where I went wrong), since I did see flashes of brilliance in what I did read (some of the descriptions of places were very vivid), and the writer does seem to have hit on a concept that held a good deal of potential. However regarding execution, I think she just needs a really, Really, REALLY good editor. Now, unless my preview copy was an unedited one, and what I read was totally different from what was published, I’m not sure what others saw in this book that they were able to rave about. I’m sorry but I just can’t recommend this book, and I think I’m being generous with a two out of five star rating.
“Bohemia” by Veronika Carnaby is available (via the following affiliate links) from Amazon, The Book Depository (free worldwide delivery), new or used from Alibris, or Better World Books (promoting libraries and world literary), as well as from Bookshop.org (to support independent bookshops, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic).
The Chocolate Lady's Book Review Blog 
“I prefer a book that doesn’t murder the English language”, totally with you here, this is a red flag for me, even though (or maybe because??) English is not my first language!!
It’s not helpful, but I love both DNF logos!!
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The image on the left. And these feel like good and well-thought-out reasons to DNF. I do post about some I DNF and not others, sometimes I’ll add a few words after a proper review with an outline of why. I tend to pick well enough in the first place not to DNF but a few always get through every year!
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Yes, it is good to be careful when we choose what to read. But sometimes the blurb and the hype can deceive us! The book that prompted me to do this sounded SO good, and I was SO disappointed.
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I love the idea of a DNF meme, and your images are delightful. I tend to back away from reviewing books I haven’t finished ever since I had a nasty experience on Goodreads with a review of this sort. There’s something I like about thinking about why I DNFed the book, nevertheless.
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Thanks. I like to think that if you write a good enough DNF non-review, then someone might say, “well, that’s just her. I might read this one to the end.”
Which graphic did you like better – graveyard sign or the graffiti in blood?
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Fun idea. Have to look at my DNF shelf, maybe inspiration strikes for a post of my own. I like the graveyard pic better.
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I like the graffiti image. The Beat Poets were American–Jack Kerouac and Alan Ginsburg and others. They were fresh and raw in their day. Many admire them. I can’t admire anything of the novel you describe and can’t blame you for the DNF.
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Yes, although I never read Kerouac, I did read Alan Ginsburg in my day. But this… just didn’t work.
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Got it!
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The concerns you have shared will not bother some people. but they sure would drive me crazy. Nice, honest feelings Davida. I appreciate it.
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That’s what I’m hoping!
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The picture on the left.
I’ve just read a book which involves a character in the 1860s talking about “golden tickets”. I’m pretty sure that no-one in the 1860s had read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, largely because it wasn’t published until the 1960s. I’m not sure that editors even read the proofs.
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Oops! Mind you, I don’t know if Dahl coined that phrase, but still… the modern association should be enough to avoid it in a historical setting.
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I like to pic on the left best. As for the book. My first thought on reading the Summary, was no thanks. Your review comments cemented that view so I’m glad I didn’t waste my time on this book. I think your DNF post is a good idea.
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Thanks! I’m still not sure about the graphic. Let’s see what others say!
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This is a terrible position in which to find yourself! I feel so obligated to finish ARCs! I know I’ve had to work hard with a few to justify a 3 star rating! I’ve have one due soon that I never would have finished if it weren’t an ARC and I’m dreading writing the review. The writing is good so I can easily give it 3 stars but it’s very boring and pointless! I have absolutely nothing to say about it! I gave it to my mom to read to see if she has any positive thoughts. I was so tempted to DNF it, but ended up mostly skimming it. (It’s Brood if you’re curious!)
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Oh… thanks for the heads up. I really think we need to find something positive about every book we finish, but if we don’t…
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It’s interesting that the person who recommended Brood…Annie B Jones of From the Front Porch podcast …reports that it’s her fav of the year…..so….you never know! Might want to see for yourself!
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Good point! My favorite book of 2020 – Hamnet – was one my sister could not finish.
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Reading is so personal! And everyone’s opinion or reaction is right!
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