Ways to Disappear is a 2016 humorous mystery novel by Idra Novey.
It starts with the disappearance of the writer Beatriz, after she was last seen smoking a cigar and climbing into a tree. Upon hearing this news, her American translator Emma, leaves her life and boyfriend behind to search for the missing author in Brazil, with the help of the author’s children. The exciting search seems a separate and freer world for Emma, one where she is happier and more herself.
Ways to Disappear is very simple. People would probably associate that description of a novel with negative feedback, but that’s not necessarily true.
The events of the story are fast-paced and don’t overcome the reader’s expectation, yet the ending is unexpected. However, despite the absence of the surprise element, the story doesn’t lose its beauty. The language, sentence-structure and unique way of narrating the story is the beating heart of the book. Because when the author is a poet, it’s anticipated to have nothing less than a delightful reading experience full of beautifully stark imagery and lyrical prose.
One thing that makes Ways to Disappear different is the equal weight and emphasis given to all the characters. So at different chapters, the story is told from a different character’s perspective.
The fine details of the characters is used as the focal point, while the events of the story are there to serve that purpose, instead of the opposite way around, which is usually the case.
Emma’s character, for example, is exciting as she is a bit of an odd duck. She really grows as an individual throughout the book, and it is engaging to watch that change and maturity develop.
The humour, suspense and character-bonding are good material for a praiseworthy novel and Ways to Disappear has it all. The ‘story within a story’ concept is also one of the richest elements of the novel. It gives an experience similar to that of travelling.
The subtext about the differences between the American and Brazilian lifestyles is precise and entertaining. It teaches the readers about cultural differences, without leaving them lost and confused because of limited prior knowledge of those cultures.
The title of the novel is very descriptive of the atmosphere that it promises to put the reader in. This novel, due to its magical realism, unusualness and imagery, acts as an escape for the reader. I recommend this novel as one way for readers to disappear from reality, stress and routine.
— The writer is a student at the American University of Sharjah. Read more student work at 360 Newsbeat.
