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The Rules of Seeing
Nova can do many things. She can speak five languages. She can always find a silver lining. And as an interpreter for the Metropolitan Police, she can tell when someone is lying just from the sound of their voice.
But there’s one thing Nova can’t do. She can’t see.
When her brother convinces her to have an operation that will restore her sight, Nova wakes up to a world she no longer understands. Until she meets Kate.
As Kate comes into focus and their unlikely friendship blossoms, Kate’s past threatens to throw them into a different kind of darkness. Can they both learn to see the world in a different way?
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2018
315 people are currently reading
1590 people want to read
About the author
Joe Heap
4 books42 followersJoe Heap was born in 1986 to a biology teacher and a drama teacher, and grew up in a house that was 70% books, 25% bags of unmarked homework, 18% underpants drying on radiators, and 3% scattered Lego bricks.
He is very bad at maths.
In 2004 Joe won the Foyle Young Poet award, and his poetry has been published in several periodicals. He studied for a BA in English Literature at Stirling University and a Masters in Creative Writing at Glasgow University, during which time he ate a deep-fried Mars Bar. It was okay.
Joe is now a full-time writer, but previously worked as an editor of books for kids and young adults. He has also been a subtitler for BBC News, a face painter at a safari park and a removal man for a dental convention. Before smartphones were invented, he manned a text service where people could ‘ask any question’, but he has since forgotten most of the answers.
He lives in London with his long-suffering girlfriend, short-suffering son, and much-aggrieved tabby cat.
He is very bad at maths.
In 2004 Joe won the Foyle Young Poet award, and his poetry has been published in several periodicals. He studied for a BA in English Literature at Stirling University and a Masters in Creative Writing at Glasgow University, during which time he ate a deep-fried Mars Bar. It was okay.
Joe is now a full-time writer, but previously worked as an editor of books for kids and young adults. He has also been a subtitler for BBC News, a face painter at a safari park and a removal man for a dental convention. Before smartphones were invented, he manned a text service where people could ‘ask any question’, but he has since forgotten most of the answers.
He lives in London with his long-suffering girlfriend, short-suffering son, and much-aggrieved tabby cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 395 reviews
November 9, 2024
**3.5 Stars **
Nova has been blind for her entire life - she’s 32 years old and is about to undergo a new procedure that will enable her to see the world around her for the first time ever. This should be an amazing time for Nova, but she’s scared that she won’t be able to cope with all the new experiences that come with seeing. She’s an intelligent young lady, an interpreter, who speaks five languages, and works for the Metropolitan Police.
Nova’s fears about not understanding or coping with her new life are realised, and it’s not until she meets Kate that she believes she can learn to overcome her problems. Kate though has some scary times ahead, and little do they know, but the clock is ticking for both of them!
First off I have to say what an amazing job the author did in describing Nova’s difficulties, of having to learn how to live as a sighted person. It’s certainly not as simple as it would appear to be, and situations presented themselves that I would never have imagined. I thought the narrative was a little slow at times, but I was intrigued to see what would happen within the relationship, and there were some extremely tough and scary times ahead. I can only thank the author though, for allowing me to ‘see’ and understand the world in a completely new light.
*Thank you to Netgalley, and HarperCollins UK for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Nova has been blind for her entire life - she’s 32 years old and is about to undergo a new procedure that will enable her to see the world around her for the first time ever. This should be an amazing time for Nova, but she’s scared that she won’t be able to cope with all the new experiences that come with seeing. She’s an intelligent young lady, an interpreter, who speaks five languages, and works for the Metropolitan Police.
Nova’s fears about not understanding or coping with her new life are realised, and it’s not until she meets Kate that she believes she can learn to overcome her problems. Kate though has some scary times ahead, and little do they know, but the clock is ticking for both of them!
First off I have to say what an amazing job the author did in describing Nova’s difficulties, of having to learn how to live as a sighted person. It’s certainly not as simple as it would appear to be, and situations presented themselves that I would never have imagined. I thought the narrative was a little slow at times, but I was intrigued to see what would happen within the relationship, and there were some extremely tough and scary times ahead. I can only thank the author though, for allowing me to ‘see’ and understand the world in a completely new light.
*Thank you to Netgalley, and HarperCollins UK for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
September 14, 2020
There’s an App for That
The first and last computer programming I ever attempted was on an IBM 1401 sometime around 1965. The 1401 was the Model T Ford of computers. We were told that the new technology would soon change the world, so we all had to learn to drive it (plus ça change...). My thought was if this is the vehicle for a new world, I’m destined to be a passenger or roadkill, but certainly not a driver. And so it has turned out.
FORTRAN was the computer language du jour, a code of very precise, extremely narrow instructions were required to add 2 + 2 (no meta-instructions or OOP’s in FORTRAN, just lots of DO-LOOPS). The point of my education was apparently meant to demonstrate just how complex even the simplest calculations actually were. There were no off-the-shelf apps from Apple or Google. Through normal human development the complex logical structure of everyday tasks had been hidden beneath a layer of unthinking quotidian routine and our job was to reveal that structure. Who knew? Who wanted to know?
My experience of modern technology is how I imagine one of the two of Heap’s protagonists, Nova, who, blind from birth, is suddenly able to see. Her 1401 compiler is herself which doesn’t have the software to make sense of the new visual data. Every detail of the experience has to be learned by rote in an ocular ‘language’ which is as apparently artificial as FORTRAN. Her programming is in sound, smell and touch; and it all works well. Just as my with experience of the 1401, her sight feels to her too difficult to pursue. It is frustrating, nauseating, and perhaps not worth the effort.
Nova has been programmed for sound not vision. Kate, the second protagonist, has been programmed for subservience to male power. Kate can’t see the abuse, just a diffuse vision of fear. Like Nova (and me) Kate lacks the software skills to make her experiences with her husband comprehensible. The only thing she knows for certain is dread; and the logic of her programming is to look to the source of her abuse to protect her from what she dreads.
Both Nova and Kate confront a similar problem. Neither can think her way out of her condition. Nor can anyone else give them the secret (to them) knowledge of their situation. Each has to learn a new mode of existence, a new logic of survival, from the fundamentals on up. Perhaps there’s mileage in some mutual assistance. The story flows somewhat predictably from this set-up.
The real interest in the book are the eponymous rules of seeing rather than the characters or the story-line. These rules constitute the software that sighted people never think about. To have these rules made explicit is fascinating, among other reasons because they are so complex and so ambiguous. Yet almost all sighted people learn them even more readily than they learn their native language. It is obviously a natural human skill but codifying this skill into its component parts is a very unnatural skill - much like programming a 1401.
Some of the rules are straightforward: Things further away appear smaller than things which are closer. But the simplicity and consistency of even this rule is undermined by the issue of how big a thing should appear to someone who has never seen it before.
Other rules are maddening: A glass window is both transparent and reflective. What could this possibly mean to someone who has never experienced either transparency or reflection much less both phenomena simultaneously?
There are dozens, hundreds of such rules. Some of which contradict each other. Others of which are conditional upon which rules which have already been applied: The less ambient light, the darker colours will appear; therefore if there is low light re-calibrate your colour spectrum so that the apple you’re looking at stays red (this of course also presumes you have learned the rules for red as distinguished from orange and brown).
This learning to see through the implicit rules of seeing is like learning a language through grammatical rules as an adult (a really tough one like Finnish or Ancient Greek with their complex syntax, combined with Hebrew with its ambiguous tenses; comparatively speaking, FORTRAN is baby-talk). Only learning to see is even more difficult because there are no textbooks which lay out visual syntax nor are there dictionaries which clearly define basic shapes and colours much less the pragmatics of facial expressions.
A physiological process like seeing, therefore, is difficult to re-programme. An emotional process, which combines physiology and social interactions - like survival in an abusive relationship - has an even greater level of difficulty in unlearning and learning the rules of successful relating. The real value of Rules of Seeing is in the mutually revealing metaphors of physical and emotional blindness. In this it is a remarkably eye-opening book, and far more enjoyable than my 1401 experience.
The first and last computer programming I ever attempted was on an IBM 1401 sometime around 1965. The 1401 was the Model T Ford of computers. We were told that the new technology would soon change the world, so we all had to learn to drive it (plus ça change...). My thought was if this is the vehicle for a new world, I’m destined to be a passenger or roadkill, but certainly not a driver. And so it has turned out.
FORTRAN was the computer language du jour, a code of very precise, extremely narrow instructions were required to add 2 + 2 (no meta-instructions or OOP’s in FORTRAN, just lots of DO-LOOPS). The point of my education was apparently meant to demonstrate just how complex even the simplest calculations actually were. There were no off-the-shelf apps from Apple or Google. Through normal human development the complex logical structure of everyday tasks had been hidden beneath a layer of unthinking quotidian routine and our job was to reveal that structure. Who knew? Who wanted to know?
My experience of modern technology is how I imagine one of the two of Heap’s protagonists, Nova, who, blind from birth, is suddenly able to see. Her 1401 compiler is herself which doesn’t have the software to make sense of the new visual data. Every detail of the experience has to be learned by rote in an ocular ‘language’ which is as apparently artificial as FORTRAN. Her programming is in sound, smell and touch; and it all works well. Just as my with experience of the 1401, her sight feels to her too difficult to pursue. It is frustrating, nauseating, and perhaps not worth the effort.
Nova has been programmed for sound not vision. Kate, the second protagonist, has been programmed for subservience to male power. Kate can’t see the abuse, just a diffuse vision of fear. Like Nova (and me) Kate lacks the software skills to make her experiences with her husband comprehensible. The only thing she knows for certain is dread; and the logic of her programming is to look to the source of her abuse to protect her from what she dreads.
Both Nova and Kate confront a similar problem. Neither can think her way out of her condition. Nor can anyone else give them the secret (to them) knowledge of their situation. Each has to learn a new mode of existence, a new logic of survival, from the fundamentals on up. Perhaps there’s mileage in some mutual assistance. The story flows somewhat predictably from this set-up.
The real interest in the book are the eponymous rules of seeing rather than the characters or the story-line. These rules constitute the software that sighted people never think about. To have these rules made explicit is fascinating, among other reasons because they are so complex and so ambiguous. Yet almost all sighted people learn them even more readily than they learn their native language. It is obviously a natural human skill but codifying this skill into its component parts is a very unnatural skill - much like programming a 1401.
Some of the rules are straightforward: Things further away appear smaller than things which are closer. But the simplicity and consistency of even this rule is undermined by the issue of how big a thing should appear to someone who has never seen it before.
Other rules are maddening: A glass window is both transparent and reflective. What could this possibly mean to someone who has never experienced either transparency or reflection much less both phenomena simultaneously?
There are dozens, hundreds of such rules. Some of which contradict each other. Others of which are conditional upon which rules which have already been applied: The less ambient light, the darker colours will appear; therefore if there is low light re-calibrate your colour spectrum so that the apple you’re looking at stays red (this of course also presumes you have learned the rules for red as distinguished from orange and brown).
This learning to see through the implicit rules of seeing is like learning a language through grammatical rules as an adult (a really tough one like Finnish or Ancient Greek with their complex syntax, combined with Hebrew with its ambiguous tenses; comparatively speaking, FORTRAN is baby-talk). Only learning to see is even more difficult because there are no textbooks which lay out visual syntax nor are there dictionaries which clearly define basic shapes and colours much less the pragmatics of facial expressions.
A physiological process like seeing, therefore, is difficult to re-programme. An emotional process, which combines physiology and social interactions - like survival in an abusive relationship - has an even greater level of difficulty in unlearning and learning the rules of successful relating. The real value of Rules of Seeing is in the mutually revealing metaphors of physical and emotional blindness. In this it is a remarkably eye-opening book, and far more enjoyable than my 1401 experience.
January 15, 2019
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. Review to follow.
July 8, 2019
I did not know what to expect when I picked up this book, but it absorbed me from the beginning. Such an unusual premise, I could not predict how this drama would unfold. It touches upon many issues that consequently made this a read that I could not leave alone.
I think it’s safe to say that this book will haunt me for a while after completion. That is definitely a sign of a good book! Immediately drawn to Nova’s obvious vulnerability and Kate’s contrasting stability, I found it difficult to predict how these characters would come together. I enjoyed the complexity of these women and how Heap shows there is more to them than meets the eye (pun totally intended!). Whilst Nova, born blind, has the opportunity to undergo a life-changing operation, it left me reeling. Heap encourages the reader to consider how much they take sight for granted and that learning to see is another life lesson entirely. On the other hand, Kate appears to have everything she needs and the bump on her head turns her life into disarray; she becomes a stranger to everything that she once felt familiar.
The plot’s progression was enchanting. Wonderfully written, I loved how Heap develops the friendship between Kate and Nova. Scattered throughout the book are some of Nova’s “rules” for seeing and I found this alternate perspective adding another dimension to the novel. It forced me to consider how I would feel, being Nova, where suddenly my eyes are working after thirty-plus years of darkness. Her experiences are unique and the child-like innocence she has towards her learning is endearing. Indeed, I had never ever considered what it would be like for an adult to suddenly regain their sight; everything you have ever known is challenged with this extra sense and it is like starting all over again.
Not only do readers explore this concept of learning to see and interpreting the world around them, Heap adds in domestic abuse and drugs. Friendship needs to overcome the emotional challenges that Kate and Nova experience, meaning this complex novel has more shades than what I initially anticipated. Each chapter has a new “theme”, linking to Nova’s learning and I could not predict how the plot would conclude. The small line drawings at the start of each chapter were brilliant as I loved trying to link them to the content of what I was reading!
I feel that this absorbing novel is under-appreciated and that it deserves more attention! As a debut novel from Joe Heap, this is an extraordinary piece of writing and I cannot wait to see what he produces next. To not read this book would be a massive loss to your reading!
I think it’s safe to say that this book will haunt me for a while after completion. That is definitely a sign of a good book! Immediately drawn to Nova’s obvious vulnerability and Kate’s contrasting stability, I found it difficult to predict how these characters would come together. I enjoyed the complexity of these women and how Heap shows there is more to them than meets the eye (pun totally intended!). Whilst Nova, born blind, has the opportunity to undergo a life-changing operation, it left me reeling. Heap encourages the reader to consider how much they take sight for granted and that learning to see is another life lesson entirely. On the other hand, Kate appears to have everything she needs and the bump on her head turns her life into disarray; she becomes a stranger to everything that she once felt familiar.
The plot’s progression was enchanting. Wonderfully written, I loved how Heap develops the friendship between Kate and Nova. Scattered throughout the book are some of Nova’s “rules” for seeing and I found this alternate perspective adding another dimension to the novel. It forced me to consider how I would feel, being Nova, where suddenly my eyes are working after thirty-plus years of darkness. Her experiences are unique and the child-like innocence she has towards her learning is endearing. Indeed, I had never ever considered what it would be like for an adult to suddenly regain their sight; everything you have ever known is challenged with this extra sense and it is like starting all over again.
Not only do readers explore this concept of learning to see and interpreting the world around them, Heap adds in domestic abuse and drugs. Friendship needs to overcome the emotional challenges that Kate and Nova experience, meaning this complex novel has more shades than what I initially anticipated. Each chapter has a new “theme”, linking to Nova’s learning and I could not predict how the plot would conclude. The small line drawings at the start of each chapter were brilliant as I loved trying to link them to the content of what I was reading!
I feel that this absorbing novel is under-appreciated and that it deserves more attention! As a debut novel from Joe Heap, this is an extraordinary piece of writing and I cannot wait to see what he produces next. To not read this book would be a massive loss to your reading!
August 12, 2018
I wanted to love this book but thought it was just ok. I felt like it didn't know what it was trying to be. Was it a thriller, was it a drama? I read it and still don't know. Didn't live up to the hype.
July 28, 2019
Nova has been blind since birth. Now in her thirties she has learned how to cope and her skills are vast. She can speak five languages and she has a lucrative job with the Metropolitan Police Force in London. She gets an operation to restore her sight. She wakes up into a world where she will need to learn everything all over again. Kate finds herself dealing with anxiety after an accident. Nova tries to help Kate.
I didn't really know what I expected when I wished for this book, but I'm so glad the publishers granted it. The theme for this story is learning to see, not just literally but metaphorically for others. The main characters are likeable and believable. The story is split into three parts, "Shapes", "Bodies" and "Objects". Each part has a different focus. The third part I was not so keen on. It changed to become a thriller. If this part had stayed the same as the first two this would probably have been a five star read. Overall, a really good debut novel.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Joe Heap for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't really know what I expected when I wished for this book, but I'm so glad the publishers granted it. The theme for this story is learning to see, not just literally but metaphorically for others. The main characters are likeable and believable. The story is split into three parts, "Shapes", "Bodies" and "Objects". Each part has a different focus. The third part I was not so keen on. It changed to become a thriller. If this part had stayed the same as the first two this would probably have been a five star read. Overall, a really good debut novel.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Joe Heap for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2018
Nova has been blind from birth so by the time she has reached her thirties she has learned a myriad of coping skills.
She speaks five languages which has provided her with a lucrative and enjoyable job with the Metropolitan Police Force in London.
Her lifetime of blindness has also honed her intuitive skills so she trusts her talent for knowing when someone is lying by the tones of their voice.
Nova's brother is a Doctor and when he learns of a new breakthrough operation that could restore his sister's sight he naturally does what he can to convince her to undergo the surgery.
Kate has found her eyesight severely affected after an unfortunate accident, she is undergoing treatment in hospital when she meets Nova by chance, and they seem to form an instant bond.
Kate's husband, Tony, who works with the police force, appears to be a bit insensitive to his wife's needs and soon begins to look like the villain...but is he?
The reader will quickly see potential links and start to form a frame for this story, however...
As fascinating as the story is, it was a bit confusing insomuch as it didn't seem to know which lead to take.
The story seems to go through phases, beginning well, then cruising for a while with the occasional injection of a bit of intrigue and then seeming to go into an extended lull, as if the author had wandered off on another [albeit interesting] thought, then casually returning.
This was not unpleasant or off putting, and is not necessarily a criticism, it just left me wondering if it would come back to the original premise as it was starting to feel like a separate story.
Every now and then it alludes to its earlier promise of intrigue..even suspense..and to the possibility of a drastic change in pace where circumstances describe an incident which has the potential to ignite a smoldering tension...introducing some anticipated angst, but then the feeling once again subsides because it goes nowhere.
It seems odd that the story is able to drift like this for great lengths of time without losing the readers' interest, yet is does...and doesn't.
Eventually the pace picks up and the things we had earlier feared appear to be eventuating with enough adrenaline inducing action to make this reader sit up and pay attention.
So, how to describe it??
There are really three independent stories here, each one weaves in and out of the other until they eventually merge into the one we were expecting all along and could, in my opinion, maybe have gone towards a second book rather than reduce its climax with brevity.
Some very interesting insights into what blindness 'looks like' from the perspectives of one born blind and one recently made blind. Some observations are inspired, while others possibly need the reader to suspend judgement.
I believe this debut author shows lots of potential, and I think his insight into the workings of the female mind are uncannily perceptive. In some scenes he captures the sensual nuance with such effectiveness as to have me believe the author was in fact a female...that of course is a compliment :)
I wavered between 3 1/2 & 4 ⭐️s ... you be the judge.
She speaks five languages which has provided her with a lucrative and enjoyable job with the Metropolitan Police Force in London.
Her lifetime of blindness has also honed her intuitive skills so she trusts her talent for knowing when someone is lying by the tones of their voice.
Nova's brother is a Doctor and when he learns of a new breakthrough operation that could restore his sister's sight he naturally does what he can to convince her to undergo the surgery.
Kate has found her eyesight severely affected after an unfortunate accident, she is undergoing treatment in hospital when she meets Nova by chance, and they seem to form an instant bond.
Kate's husband, Tony, who works with the police force, appears to be a bit insensitive to his wife's needs and soon begins to look like the villain...but is he?
The reader will quickly see potential links and start to form a frame for this story, however...
As fascinating as the story is, it was a bit confusing insomuch as it didn't seem to know which lead to take.
The story seems to go through phases, beginning well, then cruising for a while with the occasional injection of a bit of intrigue and then seeming to go into an extended lull, as if the author had wandered off on another [albeit interesting] thought, then casually returning.
This was not unpleasant or off putting, and is not necessarily a criticism, it just left me wondering if it would come back to the original premise as it was starting to feel like a separate story.
Every now and then it alludes to its earlier promise of intrigue..even suspense..and to the possibility of a drastic change in pace where circumstances describe an incident which has the potential to ignite a smoldering tension...introducing some anticipated angst, but then the feeling once again subsides because it goes nowhere.
It seems odd that the story is able to drift like this for great lengths of time without losing the readers' interest, yet is does...and doesn't.
Eventually the pace picks up and the things we had earlier feared appear to be eventuating with enough adrenaline inducing action to make this reader sit up and pay attention.
So, how to describe it??
There are really three independent stories here, each one weaves in and out of the other until they eventually merge into the one we were expecting all along and could, in my opinion, maybe have gone towards a second book rather than reduce its climax with brevity.
Some very interesting insights into what blindness 'looks like' from the perspectives of one born blind and one recently made blind. Some observations are inspired, while others possibly need the reader to suspend judgement.
I believe this debut author shows lots of potential, and I think his insight into the workings of the female mind are uncannily perceptive. In some scenes he captures the sensual nuance with such effectiveness as to have me believe the author was in fact a female...that of course is a compliment :)
I wavered between 3 1/2 & 4 ⭐️s ... you be the judge.
August 5, 2018
3.5 stars.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publishers/author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nova was born blind but when she ends up getting an operation to restore her sight, she wakes up to a whole new world and one in which she needs to learn everything all over again. Kate on the other hand finds herself dealing with anxiety after an accident that’s left her with a lot of questions. Nova brings Kate light again but Kate may be bringing Nova down and soon, tough decisions have to be made.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It’s written really well, and easy and I fell into the story really quickly so it moved at a great pace for me and after a couple hours I was already halfway through. Nova is a character that is very easy to like - she’s fun, bubbly, infectious and from the moment we meet her, when she’s still blind, she’s the type of person you know would make your life better and make you happy.
I really like Nova’s individual storyline and her journey of rediscovery and relearning everything about the world now that she could see again. I never really thought about hard it must be for people with bad sight to suddenly be able to see clearly, and everything they would have to learn to just get about everyday. I also loved some of Nova’s observations about sight, particularly when it came to how food looked compared to how great it smelled.
I would have liked more of Nova’s job to be in the novel, particularly before her operation. I feel like the whole ‘she can tell people are lying by their voice’ thing was sold in the blurb and made it sound like it was a bigger point in the book when really it was a non-entity. Nova’s job wasn’t important at all, and I was disappointed by that as it sounded really cool to me.
I definitely had a hard time warming up to Kate as a character but she is definitely going through the wringer, even more so than Nova and is not in a good place in her life before. I did like the friendship and romance that sparked between the two but the second part of the book when the romance was heavier completely fell apart for me and i stopped enjoyed the book so much.
I felt like the story became a bit drawn out, and I was ready for it to be over. As a reader, I felt like i was waiting for the super obvious thing to happen for ages, and even when it did eventually happen, it was just so all over the place and almost over the top, I didn’t enjoy it at all.
The first half was much stronger than the second, which was a real pity.
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publishers/author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nova was born blind but when she ends up getting an operation to restore her sight, she wakes up to a whole new world and one in which she needs to learn everything all over again. Kate on the other hand finds herself dealing with anxiety after an accident that’s left her with a lot of questions. Nova brings Kate light again but Kate may be bringing Nova down and soon, tough decisions have to be made.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It’s written really well, and easy and I fell into the story really quickly so it moved at a great pace for me and after a couple hours I was already halfway through. Nova is a character that is very easy to like - she’s fun, bubbly, infectious and from the moment we meet her, when she’s still blind, she’s the type of person you know would make your life better and make you happy.
I really like Nova’s individual storyline and her journey of rediscovery and relearning everything about the world now that she could see again. I never really thought about hard it must be for people with bad sight to suddenly be able to see clearly, and everything they would have to learn to just get about everyday. I also loved some of Nova’s observations about sight, particularly when it came to how food looked compared to how great it smelled.
I would have liked more of Nova’s job to be in the novel, particularly before her operation. I feel like the whole ‘she can tell people are lying by their voice’ thing was sold in the blurb and made it sound like it was a bigger point in the book when really it was a non-entity. Nova’s job wasn’t important at all, and I was disappointed by that as it sounded really cool to me.
I definitely had a hard time warming up to Kate as a character but she is definitely going through the wringer, even more so than Nova and is not in a good place in her life before. I did like the friendship and romance that sparked between the two but the second part of the book when the romance was heavier completely fell apart for me and i stopped enjoyed the book so much.
I felt like the story became a bit drawn out, and I was ready for it to be over. As a reader, I felt like i was waiting for the super obvious thing to happen for ages, and even when it did eventually happen, it was just so all over the place and almost over the top, I didn’t enjoy it at all.
The first half was much stronger than the second, which was a real pity.
February 14, 2019
This was a book where I liked the idea behind it better than the story itself. The first part of the book was fascinating - the original idea gripped me and there was interesting insight, not just into the physical experiences of someone blind from birth gaining their sight, but deeper into what sight and seeing really mean to us as humans. There are some lovely descriptive passages: "But Nova's memories are all of the sound of Oxford. The gentle hum of a city where so many people cycle. The murmur of the quads. The threnody (had to look that one up!) of bells from colleges and chapels."
Nova is an appealing character, and as a linguist, the analogy of learning the language of seeing, with all its rules, is an apt one.
However, the book then lurches into the second half which feels completely different, almost as if it were written by someone else. Without giving too much away, it turns from something thoughtful and literary into a cliche-ridden slasher thriller starring Thelma and Louise. I found the character of Kate dreary, which made me unsympathetic to her plight. I wondered what on earth the sparky Nova "saw" in her, although maybe the point is that love is blind. I'm not a fan of present tense narrative, which to me works OK for first-person YA novels and not much else, and while I could excuse the tense in the first half, in the second half it grated.
All-in-all an unusual novel, which I thought I would thoroughly enjoy, but which became strangely disjointed as it progressed.
Nova is an appealing character, and as a linguist, the analogy of learning the language of seeing, with all its rules, is an apt one.
However, the book then lurches into the second half which feels completely different, almost as if it were written by someone else. Without giving too much away, it turns from something thoughtful and literary into a cliche-ridden slasher thriller starring Thelma and Louise. I found the character of Kate dreary, which made me unsympathetic to her plight. I wondered what on earth the sparky Nova "saw" in her, although maybe the point is that love is blind. I'm not a fan of present tense narrative, which to me works OK for first-person YA novels and not much else, and while I could excuse the tense in the first half, in the second half it grated.
All-in-all an unusual novel, which I thought I would thoroughly enjoy, but which became strangely disjointed as it progressed.
August 31, 2018
Good beginning but then it seemed to lose impetus, until the last few chapters when it races along with some annoying loose ends. Easy reading and it did make me consider blindness in more depth - why don't restaurants have braille menus?
April 14, 2019
Enlightening, perceptive and original debut on seeing the world afresh. Thought-provoking with two relatable protagonists.
Joe Heap’s debut is a quirky love story with a difference in that the two female protagonists are each learning to see things through fresh eyes and for the most part is a compelling and eye-opening look at life from two very different perspectives. This is a story full on inspiration and revelation that will make readers thoroughly grateful for the gift of sight that we often take for granted. But do beware because author Joe Heap dies not shy away from more serious issues and a darker subplot comes to prominence in the second half with decidedly mixed results.
After thirty-one-years of facing the world as a blind person, fiercely intelligent and independent Jillian Safinova (“Nova”) makes the biggest decision of her life and undergoes a revolutionary procedure to enable her to see completely for the first time ever. Ebullient, capable and fond of making self-deprecating jokes to avoid making the fully sighted uncomfortable, she is an Oxford graduate, speaks five languages, reads Braille and works as an interpreter for the police. Waking up in the stroke ward after a successful operation, Nova has decidedly mixed feelings and meets similarly disconcerted Katerina Tomassi (“Kate”) at the hospital after she has undergone a procedure to relieve fluid on the brain following a blow to the head. And whilst the reader knows just how Kate sustained the injury, thanks to her overbearing and vicious detective inspector husband, Tony, it is a considerable while before she finds the strength to speak out and tell Nova. As diminutive as Nova is, Kate stands over six-foot-tall and is the sensible one to Nova’s impulsive jumping in head first persona which has allowed her to live life to its full potential without sight. The friendship of the two infuses them both with fresh hope and helps them to make sense of a changing world, but as they each battle with different predicaments from domestic abuse and stalking, to learning to read and instinctively functioning as a fully sighted individual, they have plenty of struggles in store.
In all honesty it was Nova’s journey on the road from blind to fully sighted that made for the truly compelling reading and Heap punctuates the entire novel with subtly perceptive snippets (dubbed by Nova as ‘The Rules of Seeing’) on everything from how food often does not looking appetising likes it smells, reading expressions, watching people talk and how sometimes moving objects will sometimes appear to ‘stutter’, many of which took my breath away with just how profound they are. The slow burning friendship and sexual chemistry of the first half of the story as Nova and Kate each undertake new stages of their life with Nova’s coming to terms with seeing the world through very different eyes and Kate realising just how unhealthy and abusive her relationship with husband, Tony, is is beautifully portrayed. It is gentle, endearing and wonderfully tender and Nova’s verve, humour and determination to blaze a trail all of her own makes her a memorable protagonist.
However as the second half begins and the true romance blossoms with Kate’s controlling husband looming in the background, the formula seems to flag. Kate became a little too needy, bordering on wet blanket and Nova’s puppy dog energy to do crazy things from setting up a fort in the house to simply shutting out the world for weeks on end never quite tallied with a thirty-two-year-old police interpreter and a successful architect both in employment. Likewise the spark in the attraction between the women seemed to burn out as the story progressed and the crime thriller element takes over with what I felt was limited success. This component of the story is significantly underdeveloped and made for a disappointing and overblown psychological thriller style denouement and brought a sour tone to a largely very tender and heartfelt relationship. Overall however this is a hugely original, witty and moving story with the added benefit of also being a radical journey of self-discovery for both protagonists and I enjoyed it far more than I had expected to. A love story with depth that is well worth suspending disbelief about the medical possibility of Nova’s operation to enjoy.
Worth reading for the many surprising revelations on the gift of sight and seeing how Nova learns to interpret the world with a very different set of rules.
With thanks to Readers First who provided me with a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Joe Heap’s debut is a quirky love story with a difference in that the two female protagonists are each learning to see things through fresh eyes and for the most part is a compelling and eye-opening look at life from two very different perspectives. This is a story full on inspiration and revelation that will make readers thoroughly grateful for the gift of sight that we often take for granted. But do beware because author Joe Heap dies not shy away from more serious issues and a darker subplot comes to prominence in the second half with decidedly mixed results.
After thirty-one-years of facing the world as a blind person, fiercely intelligent and independent Jillian Safinova (“Nova”) makes the biggest decision of her life and undergoes a revolutionary procedure to enable her to see completely for the first time ever. Ebullient, capable and fond of making self-deprecating jokes to avoid making the fully sighted uncomfortable, she is an Oxford graduate, speaks five languages, reads Braille and works as an interpreter for the police. Waking up in the stroke ward after a successful operation, Nova has decidedly mixed feelings and meets similarly disconcerted Katerina Tomassi (“Kate”) at the hospital after she has undergone a procedure to relieve fluid on the brain following a blow to the head. And whilst the reader knows just how Kate sustained the injury, thanks to her overbearing and vicious detective inspector husband, Tony, it is a considerable while before she finds the strength to speak out and tell Nova. As diminutive as Nova is, Kate stands over six-foot-tall and is the sensible one to Nova’s impulsive jumping in head first persona which has allowed her to live life to its full potential without sight. The friendship of the two infuses them both with fresh hope and helps them to make sense of a changing world, but as they each battle with different predicaments from domestic abuse and stalking, to learning to read and instinctively functioning as a fully sighted individual, they have plenty of struggles in store.
In all honesty it was Nova’s journey on the road from blind to fully sighted that made for the truly compelling reading and Heap punctuates the entire novel with subtly perceptive snippets (dubbed by Nova as ‘The Rules of Seeing’) on everything from how food often does not looking appetising likes it smells, reading expressions, watching people talk and how sometimes moving objects will sometimes appear to ‘stutter’, many of which took my breath away with just how profound they are. The slow burning friendship and sexual chemistry of the first half of the story as Nova and Kate each undertake new stages of their life with Nova’s coming to terms with seeing the world through very different eyes and Kate realising just how unhealthy and abusive her relationship with husband, Tony, is is beautifully portrayed. It is gentle, endearing and wonderfully tender and Nova’s verve, humour and determination to blaze a trail all of her own makes her a memorable protagonist.
However as the second half begins and the true romance blossoms with Kate’s controlling husband looming in the background, the formula seems to flag. Kate became a little too needy, bordering on wet blanket and Nova’s puppy dog energy to do crazy things from setting up a fort in the house to simply shutting out the world for weeks on end never quite tallied with a thirty-two-year-old police interpreter and a successful architect both in employment. Likewise the spark in the attraction between the women seemed to burn out as the story progressed and the crime thriller element takes over with what I felt was limited success. This component of the story is significantly underdeveloped and made for a disappointing and overblown psychological thriller style denouement and brought a sour tone to a largely very tender and heartfelt relationship. Overall however this is a hugely original, witty and moving story with the added benefit of also being a radical journey of self-discovery for both protagonists and I enjoyed it far more than I had expected to. A love story with depth that is well worth suspending disbelief about the medical possibility of Nova’s operation to enjoy.
Worth reading for the many surprising revelations on the gift of sight and seeing how Nova learns to interpret the world with a very different set of rules.
With thanks to Readers First who provided me with a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 16, 2018
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
I didn't know what to expect with this read, but ended up absolutely loving it! The charaters are so likable; I compeltely fell in love with both main characters Nova and Kate, but particularly Nova - I mean, who wouldn't?
The main themes in this novel felt so different and fresh, yet somehow the story felt so relatable despite not being exeperiences that I've necessarily had myself. I loved reading about Nova's journey from being blind (from birth, so she's never known anything else) to being able to see again. It was so interesting reading about how she dealt with learning to see again, with all these hurdles that I'd never thought about. I also thought Kate's experience, with her husband (I don't want to give too much detail away) was so gripping and emotional to read about. The characters all felt like real people, with some really surprising me with their actions, and I loved reading about them.
The main theme of this novel - learning to see, not just literally for Nova but also metaphorically for other people - is so wonderful to read about and, although the story certainly isn't all sunshine and rainbows, I felt incredibly uplifted at the end. Brilliant reading!
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
I didn't know what to expect with this read, but ended up absolutely loving it! The charaters are so likable; I compeltely fell in love with both main characters Nova and Kate, but particularly Nova - I mean, who wouldn't?
The main themes in this novel felt so different and fresh, yet somehow the story felt so relatable despite not being exeperiences that I've necessarily had myself. I loved reading about Nova's journey from being blind (from birth, so she's never known anything else) to being able to see again. It was so interesting reading about how she dealt with learning to see again, with all these hurdles that I'd never thought about. I also thought Kate's experience, with her husband (I don't want to give too much detail away) was so gripping and emotional to read about. The characters all felt like real people, with some really surprising me with their actions, and I loved reading about them.
The main theme of this novel - learning to see, not just literally for Nova but also metaphorically for other people - is so wonderful to read about and, although the story certainly isn't all sunshine and rainbows, I felt incredibly uplifted at the end. Brilliant reading!
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
April 16, 2019
EYESIGHT AND INSIGHT
‘Learn to See?’ ‘It’s from a Da Vinci quote. It was on the inside cover …’ Kate closes her eyes and tries to remember. ‘Impara a vedere. Renditi conto che ogni cosa è connessa con tutte le altre.’ Nova thinks for a moment, then interprets – ‘Learn to see. Realize that everything is connected to everything else.’ Kate smiles. ‘Everything is connected".
Novels are often described as ‘thought-provoking’ – especially when they cover relevant ‘issues’ of the day and this one inspires insights that may never have occurred to the reader before: for instance, the difference between seeing and perceiving – how much more than ‘eyesight’ is involved in interpreting the world. Joe Heap takes this theme a step further by showing how deliberately ‘turning a blind eye’ can be equally disabling as blindness.
He has written one of the most unusual storylines I have ever come across, combining different genres, and inventing an unforgettable protagonist who, as a mixed-race, blind, gay woman, ticks more diversity boxes than you normally come across – even with today's political agenda.
Reviewed for Whichbook
‘Learn to See?’ ‘It’s from a Da Vinci quote. It was on the inside cover …’ Kate closes her eyes and tries to remember. ‘Impara a vedere. Renditi conto che ogni cosa è connessa con tutte le altre.’ Nova thinks for a moment, then interprets – ‘Learn to see. Realize that everything is connected to everything else.’ Kate smiles. ‘Everything is connected".
Novels are often described as ‘thought-provoking’ – especially when they cover relevant ‘issues’ of the day and this one inspires insights that may never have occurred to the reader before: for instance, the difference between seeing and perceiving – how much more than ‘eyesight’ is involved in interpreting the world. Joe Heap takes this theme a step further by showing how deliberately ‘turning a blind eye’ can be equally disabling as blindness.
He has written one of the most unusual storylines I have ever come across, combining different genres, and inventing an unforgettable protagonist who, as a mixed-race, blind, gay woman, ticks more diversity boxes than you normally come across – even with today's political agenda.
Reviewed for Whichbook
September 29, 2018
More people need to know about this book!
April 14, 2019
Unfortunately I really struggled with "The Rules of Seeing" by Joe Heap and have to admit to skimming a few of the paragraphs towards the end in order to finish it.
"When her brother convinces her to have an operation that will restore her sight, Nova wakes up to a world she no longer understands. And then she meets Kate, whose past hides a different kind of darkness. Together, can they both open their eyes to the lives they could be living?"
I did start off by being very intrigued by Kate's story which had the potential of including a physiological element to this light love story. I enjoyed reading how she met Nova at the hospital, though I couldn't help feeling the pairing of the two women and their ensuing relationship rather odd. I did feel for Nova, who being blind from birth was very concerned at how she would find being able to see and thought the rules she followed after gaining her sight, a witty addition to the story.
Sadly as a whole, it didn't keep my attention and I found parts exceedingly slow, though I am quite sure the book will be appreciated by a lot of readers and I could well be in the minority who didn't enjoy fully.
Although very well written and researched, I do believe a YA audience would enjoy this story better. I'm just sorry I didn't find it as gripping as I'd hoped, especially considering the poignant issues covered.
Two stars for the potential of the premise and I do wish the author Joe Heap, every success with this, his first novel.
2 stars
Thank you to friend Rachel Hall for my copy of the book.
"When her brother convinces her to have an operation that will restore her sight, Nova wakes up to a world she no longer understands. And then she meets Kate, whose past hides a different kind of darkness. Together, can they both open their eyes to the lives they could be living?"
I did start off by being very intrigued by Kate's story which had the potential of including a physiological element to this light love story. I enjoyed reading how she met Nova at the hospital, though I couldn't help feeling the pairing of the two women and their ensuing relationship rather odd. I did feel for Nova, who being blind from birth was very concerned at how she would find being able to see and thought the rules she followed after gaining her sight, a witty addition to the story.
Sadly as a whole, it didn't keep my attention and I found parts exceedingly slow, though I am quite sure the book will be appreciated by a lot of readers and I could well be in the minority who didn't enjoy fully.
Although very well written and researched, I do believe a YA audience would enjoy this story better. I'm just sorry I didn't find it as gripping as I'd hoped, especially considering the poignant issues covered.
Two stars for the potential of the premise and I do wish the author Joe Heap, every success with this, his first novel.
2 stars
Thank you to friend Rachel Hall for my copy of the book.
August 26, 2018
‘I don’t really use vending machines … but I like this plan!’
We’ve been here before on my bookshelf, of course. Books depicting blind people invariably cause controversy. The thing that I found, starting this, was the way in which other senses – smell, touch etc – are woven in everywhere, not just in Nova’s scenes. Kate is also startlingly aware of them, and I think that speaks volumes as to the way in which the story is going to progress.
‘You don’t owe me anything.’ Nova pauses, then asks, ‘Are you okay? You’ve changed colour.’
I was disarmed by nova’s gregariousness. Even early on we see a free spirit, but as the story develops, her irrepressible free-natured wildness really shines through. Obviously it does Kate good, but it does us good too. To see a blind person, even one gaining vision as someone who can be that free and spontaneous, and generally that happy with life, I think we could all do with some more of that in our lives.
I found myself cheering nova on all the way. Her rules, to me as a blind person who has never seen, are at once fascinating and intriguing yet bafflingly hard to picture. Her struggles with the realities of sight really shine through, and I don’t recall fiction that I’ve read tackling this before. The idea that you can perform a little operation to physically “fix” someone’s ability to see, yes. But the ongoing consequences of that explored here are captivating. We’ve seen something similar in Robert J. Sawyer’s WWW trilogy, but there, the protagonist had technology capturing images for her. Seeing it all biologically was a very different path.
I didn’t have many moments where I wanted to shout at Joe for getting it totally wrong as a blind person: the one that leaps at me now, trying to think of one, is the assumption that Nova would have to dictate a text message to her phone because she couldn’t see it, despite being a lifelong blind person of an age where the technology had clearly been imbedded early on. I laughed at the message she did dictate, misspellings and all – that one was spot on. But when it’s used as a reason for her not to send a message later in the story, that was a little annoying, if very trivial.
The relationships in the story, the love, the passion, the way in which the characters really take control, that was good. You have these two women, both at crossroads in their lives with very different hurdles to overcome, and quite different in personality to boot. To see them both grow is really quite something.
So, yes, a very satisfying, heartfelt book. A book with a real message and a followable, strong message. A book with a lot to offer, a book that stands up to prejudice, and I dare say, a book that will do the blind community very little harm. Already, the tuttings and the “another one about us? Really?” Are dripping from the social network feeds and kicking about the mailing lists. It’s silly of me to say that blindness doesn’t come into it, because of course it does. But the thing is, for Nova, learning to see is not a journey taken in isolation. She grows, not just in strength of vision, but of personality. Not just in what she can read, but in how she can perceive. She figures out what it is she wants, likes, needs, enjoys. Who she can trust. And none of that depends on her eyes at all.
So, yes. On the surface, it’s another one of those books about a blind person needing more in their life and that being eyesight. But it’s more, too. So to all my blind readers who are boycotting it simply because it crosses an artistic boundary into *your* world, I would just say that you’re missing a fabulous, warm and charming story. A story of love, for life and for other people both. A story of persistence and progress, a story of determination and growth and of learning to live life and of the things that matter. And to me, that matters a lot. I enjoyed it very much.
We’ve been here before on my bookshelf, of course. Books depicting blind people invariably cause controversy. The thing that I found, starting this, was the way in which other senses – smell, touch etc – are woven in everywhere, not just in Nova’s scenes. Kate is also startlingly aware of them, and I think that speaks volumes as to the way in which the story is going to progress.
‘You don’t owe me anything.’ Nova pauses, then asks, ‘Are you okay? You’ve changed colour.’
I was disarmed by nova’s gregariousness. Even early on we see a free spirit, but as the story develops, her irrepressible free-natured wildness really shines through. Obviously it does Kate good, but it does us good too. To see a blind person, even one gaining vision as someone who can be that free and spontaneous, and generally that happy with life, I think we could all do with some more of that in our lives.
I found myself cheering nova on all the way. Her rules, to me as a blind person who has never seen, are at once fascinating and intriguing yet bafflingly hard to picture. Her struggles with the realities of sight really shine through, and I don’t recall fiction that I’ve read tackling this before. The idea that you can perform a little operation to physically “fix” someone’s ability to see, yes. But the ongoing consequences of that explored here are captivating. We’ve seen something similar in Robert J. Sawyer’s WWW trilogy, but there, the protagonist had technology capturing images for her. Seeing it all biologically was a very different path.
I didn’t have many moments where I wanted to shout at Joe for getting it totally wrong as a blind person: the one that leaps at me now, trying to think of one, is the assumption that Nova would have to dictate a text message to her phone because she couldn’t see it, despite being a lifelong blind person of an age where the technology had clearly been imbedded early on. I laughed at the message she did dictate, misspellings and all – that one was spot on. But when it’s used as a reason for her not to send a message later in the story, that was a little annoying, if very trivial.
The relationships in the story, the love, the passion, the way in which the characters really take control, that was good. You have these two women, both at crossroads in their lives with very different hurdles to overcome, and quite different in personality to boot. To see them both grow is really quite something.
So, yes, a very satisfying, heartfelt book. A book with a real message and a followable, strong message. A book with a lot to offer, a book that stands up to prejudice, and I dare say, a book that will do the blind community very little harm. Already, the tuttings and the “another one about us? Really?” Are dripping from the social network feeds and kicking about the mailing lists. It’s silly of me to say that blindness doesn’t come into it, because of course it does. But the thing is, for Nova, learning to see is not a journey taken in isolation. She grows, not just in strength of vision, but of personality. Not just in what she can read, but in how she can perceive. She figures out what it is she wants, likes, needs, enjoys. Who she can trust. And none of that depends on her eyes at all.
So, yes. On the surface, it’s another one of those books about a blind person needing more in their life and that being eyesight. But it’s more, too. So to all my blind readers who are boycotting it simply because it crosses an artistic boundary into *your* world, I would just say that you’re missing a fabulous, warm and charming story. A story of love, for life and for other people both. A story of persistence and progress, a story of determination and growth and of learning to live life and of the things that matter. And to me, that matters a lot. I enjoyed it very much.
August 1, 2019
I can't put into words how I feel about this book. It has everything in it, love, loss, friendship, domestic violence and it becomes a "will they, won't they". It is an all round winner of a book.
I wish I had a Nova in my life, she would make everything brighter.
I wish I could give more than five stars.
I wish I had a Nova in my life, she would make everything brighter.
I wish I could give more than five stars.
January 1, 2021
“What you see depends on what you’re looking for”
I’m finding it hard to categorise THE RULES OF SEEING by debut UK author Joe Heap. It’s part quirky love story between two women with a lot going on in their lives, part thriller, and 100% a great read.
Nova works as a police interpreter, can speak five languages and has been blind her entire life until her brother convinces her to undergo and operation that will help her see the world for the first time.
While she is recovering from her operation she meets Kate who is an architect married to Tony, a police detective that Nova works with occasionally. Nova and Kate’s friendship could develop into something more if it was up to Nova, but they each have their own issues to deal with, including Nova’s difficulties with learning how to see and Kate and Tony’s relationship issues.
THE RULES OF SEEING is a fantastic debut novel and Joe Heap has done a brilliant job of covering a range of sensitive topics, including female romantic relationships, mental health, abuse, and disability. A great debut and full of unexpected surprises. 4 stars!
Originally posted at https://scatterbooker.wordpress.com/2...
I’m finding it hard to categorise THE RULES OF SEEING by debut UK author Joe Heap. It’s part quirky love story between two women with a lot going on in their lives, part thriller, and 100% a great read.
Nova works as a police interpreter, can speak five languages and has been blind her entire life until her brother convinces her to undergo and operation that will help her see the world for the first time.
While she is recovering from her operation she meets Kate who is an architect married to Tony, a police detective that Nova works with occasionally. Nova and Kate’s friendship could develop into something more if it was up to Nova, but they each have their own issues to deal with, including Nova’s difficulties with learning how to see and Kate and Tony’s relationship issues.
THE RULES OF SEEING is a fantastic debut novel and Joe Heap has done a brilliant job of covering a range of sensitive topics, including female romantic relationships, mental health, abuse, and disability. A great debut and full of unexpected surprises. 4 stars!
Originally posted at https://scatterbooker.wordpress.com/2...
May 7, 2019
A book of two halves for me. I very much enjoyed the first half where Nova, blind from birth, has her sight restored and finds that seeing is not as easy as we think. Plenty of fascinating detail about how the brain interprets the images it receives - perspective in particular, things moving in different directions at different speeds. As Nova says, learning to assimilate all the information is a full-time job, one that sighted people have been practising all their lives and take for granted. If only the whole novel had been devoted to this process and Nova’s struggle with it I’d have been happy. As it was, the Kate/Tony/Nova interaction took over at the halfway stage and left me cold. I didn’t find the psychological drama at all compelling and wonder really why the author thought to introduce it at all. I’m still thinking about blindness and the issues raised several days later so the book was a success for me in that respect, just a pity the rest of it was underwhelming.
With thanks to Harper Fiction via NetGalley for a review copy.
With thanks to Harper Fiction via NetGalley for a review copy.
February 4, 2023
3.5
I could do without the constant breaking up - making up, but other than that I really liked this one.
I could do without the constant breaking up - making up, but other than that I really liked this one.
March 10, 2019
A lovely book about love, life, friendship, struggles and how we see the world. I loved the relationship between the two main characters and I enjoyed how their friendship blossomed throughout the book, how they ended up rescuing each other from their demons. It had a certain element of Eleanor Olephant about it. The only criticism I would have is that the whole drama involving the husband seemed to drag on a little bit too much for my liking however on the whole a beautifully written, inspiring story and I’d highly recommend it.
December 1, 2018
Insightful (pun intended) look at vision within a slow-burning thriller and relationship story.
Kate meets Nova after an accident leads to a fairly severe head injury. Confused and suffering emotional after-effects, she likes the Police Interpreter for her unconventionality, her verve, and her defiant attitude to the blindness she has lived with all her life. Nova has just undergone an operation to restore her sight, leaving her vulnerable also. The two form an instant bond.
The story moves between genres, but the clues are there as to what the women can expect. I did enjoy the thriller aspects of the story, the mounting tension and regular reminders of threat.
My favourite aspect of the book though, was Nova's regular insights into what it is like to be both blind and to be a newly-sighted citizen... her 'rules for seeing' that anyone 'reading' this as someone who takes vision for granted will find makes them see things around them with fresh 'eyes':
"It's like trying to learn... five languages at the same time...it's like all of these conversations going on simultaneously - colour and depth, shape and texture, light and dark - and I'm trying to translate them all at once."
Though an accomplished linguist and reader of Braille, Nova has to learn to read from scratch, can't recognise shapes and colours. Sometimes her insights are hilarious:
"RULE OF SEEING NO.151 Food does not look appetising, the way it smells. Sometimes it looks like plastic, or like dog poo. Sighted people do not like it if you point this out."
The thriller plot, I thought didn't work as well as Nova's own personal story, an antagonist whose motivation I didn't truly understand or buy into, but I was happy to stay with Nova. Kate grew on me from a slightly annoying woman at times to someone more in control and spirited.
Incredibly insightful in parts, a fairly good linking of a personal story of growth with a psychological thriller.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
Kate meets Nova after an accident leads to a fairly severe head injury. Confused and suffering emotional after-effects, she likes the Police Interpreter for her unconventionality, her verve, and her defiant attitude to the blindness she has lived with all her life. Nova has just undergone an operation to restore her sight, leaving her vulnerable also. The two form an instant bond.
The story moves between genres, but the clues are there as to what the women can expect. I did enjoy the thriller aspects of the story, the mounting tension and regular reminders of threat.
My favourite aspect of the book though, was Nova's regular insights into what it is like to be both blind and to be a newly-sighted citizen... her 'rules for seeing' that anyone 'reading' this as someone who takes vision for granted will find makes them see things around them with fresh 'eyes':
"It's like trying to learn... five languages at the same time...it's like all of these conversations going on simultaneously - colour and depth, shape and texture, light and dark - and I'm trying to translate them all at once."
Though an accomplished linguist and reader of Braille, Nova has to learn to read from scratch, can't recognise shapes and colours. Sometimes her insights are hilarious:
"RULE OF SEEING NO.151 Food does not look appetising, the way it smells. Sometimes it looks like plastic, or like dog poo. Sighted people do not like it if you point this out."
The thriller plot, I thought didn't work as well as Nova's own personal story, an antagonist whose motivation I didn't truly understand or buy into, but I was happy to stay with Nova. Kate grew on me from a slightly annoying woman at times to someone more in control and spirited.
Incredibly insightful in parts, a fairly good linking of a personal story of growth with a psychological thriller.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
August 12, 2019
Bei Kate dachte ich wegen des Klappentextes, dass auch sie Erfahrungen mit Blindheit gemacht hat, aber die Dunkelheit bezieht sich auf ihre toxische Beziehung mit ihrem Ehemann. Sie ist unglücklich und nachdem es nun auch noch zu häuslicher Gewalt kam, ist sie erst recht psychisch am Ende. Auch wenn sie zunächst die Augen davor verschließt, merkt sie, wie entspannt und schön der Umgang mit Nova sein kann. Doch sie traut sich nicht, etwas zu unternehmen, weil ihr Selbstwertgefühl und ihr Mut schon seit Jahren so zerstört wurden.
Nova ist trotz ihrer Blindheit nicht unglücklich gewesen, aber das Sehen stellt sie vor eine harte Prüfung. Diese fremde Welt zu entdecken ist anstrengend und bringt ihre bisherige Ordnung komplett durcheinander, weil sie auch die bekannten Dinge manchmal nur schwer erkennen kann. Sie ist von den vielen Eindrücken sehr überlastet, auch wenn sie von den sichtbaren Dingen so fasziniert ist. Manchmal ist das Unbekannte einfach zu furchteinflößend, aber es kann sich doch lohnen, sich darauf einzulassen und die Veränderung willkommen zu heißen.
Die Zeitsprünge sind riesig. Ganze Monate vergehen zwischen den Kapiteln und das beschleunigt die Handlung ungemein. So sind Novas Fortschritte natürlich auch schneller und man teilt eher ihre Erkenntnisse über längere Zeiträume.
Mich hat es da aber gestört, wie zwischen den Charakteren monatelang nichts passiert. Warum vergeht so viel Zeit ohne Fortschritte? Trotz der spannenden oder dramatischen Momente zog sich das Buch auch in die Länge und insgesamt fand ich es einfach etwas langweilig.
Fazit
"Die Welt in allen Farben" klang so vielversprechend und das Sehen Lernen fand ich sehr schön, und den Rest süß, aber eher langweilig.
Nova ist trotz ihrer Blindheit nicht unglücklich gewesen, aber das Sehen stellt sie vor eine harte Prüfung. Diese fremde Welt zu entdecken ist anstrengend und bringt ihre bisherige Ordnung komplett durcheinander, weil sie auch die bekannten Dinge manchmal nur schwer erkennen kann. Sie ist von den vielen Eindrücken sehr überlastet, auch wenn sie von den sichtbaren Dingen so fasziniert ist. Manchmal ist das Unbekannte einfach zu furchteinflößend, aber es kann sich doch lohnen, sich darauf einzulassen und die Veränderung willkommen zu heißen.
Die Zeitsprünge sind riesig. Ganze Monate vergehen zwischen den Kapiteln und das beschleunigt die Handlung ungemein. So sind Novas Fortschritte natürlich auch schneller und man teilt eher ihre Erkenntnisse über längere Zeiträume.
Mich hat es da aber gestört, wie zwischen den Charakteren monatelang nichts passiert. Warum vergeht so viel Zeit ohne Fortschritte? Trotz der spannenden oder dramatischen Momente zog sich das Buch auch in die Länge und insgesamt fand ich es einfach etwas langweilig.
Fazit
"Die Welt in allen Farben" klang so vielversprechend und das Sehen Lernen fand ich sehr schön, und den Rest süß, aber eher langweilig.
April 22, 2019
The Rules of Seeing is split into three parts: 'Shapes', 'Bodies', 'Objects'. Each part seems to have a different style of writing, a different focus.
This first part follows Nova and Kate in their separate lives and sometimes interlinking events. I enjoyed the way this section was written, separate stories running alongside each other a little bit like 'Eve of Man' by Gi and Tom Fletcher or 'Noughts and Crosses' by Malorie Blackman.
The second part focuses more on their friendship/relationship and the breakdown of Kate's marriage. This part reads a little bit more like a romance, two friends gradually becoming more. This section was good, and I still enjoyed it, even though the style had changed.
The third part I just wasn't sure. It all suddenly changed into a thriller and that's not what I thought this book was. If the book was written this way all the way through it would've been okay but I feel like the story tried to become something it wasn't. A whole new genre.
There was also a lot of unresolved and not elaborated on story points in part three e.g. Kate's mum, the events after visiting Kate's mum. I feel like these could've led the story in a different direction.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others, just a little unsure of the crazy plot-twist ending.
This first part follows Nova and Kate in their separate lives and sometimes interlinking events. I enjoyed the way this section was written, separate stories running alongside each other a little bit like 'Eve of Man' by Gi and Tom Fletcher or 'Noughts and Crosses' by Malorie Blackman.
The second part focuses more on their friendship/relationship and the breakdown of Kate's marriage. This part reads a little bit more like a romance, two friends gradually becoming more. This section was good, and I still enjoyed it, even though the style had changed.
The third part I just wasn't sure. It all suddenly changed into a thriller and that's not what I thought this book was. If the book was written this way all the way through it would've been okay but I feel like the story tried to become something it wasn't. A whole new genre.
There was also a lot of unresolved and not elaborated on story points in part three e.g. Kate's mum, the events after visiting Kate's mum. I feel like these could've led the story in a different direction.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others, just a little unsure of the crazy plot-twist ending.
December 25, 2018
It's not easy to decide what genre The Rules Of Seeing is as it covers so many areas but I loved the story. (Think love story/thriller/lgbt) It also covers a whole range of issues including mental health, domestic abuse, disability and lesbian relationships
It was fascinating to read through the eyes of Nova who was born blind but then was able to "see" after an operation. Made me question how do we really see
Kept me awake to the wee hours wanting to know the ending. It's a quirky book that made me both laugh and cry.
'Those are the most distant objects I've ever see.' Nova says. 'The most distant objects I ever will see. Not that long ago, I couldn't see the walls of the room I was sitting in. Now I'm looking at objects that are so far away, their light has been travelling for millions of years ......'
It was fascinating to read through the eyes of Nova who was born blind but then was able to "see" after an operation. Made me question how do we really see
Kept me awake to the wee hours wanting to know the ending. It's a quirky book that made me both laugh and cry.
'Those are the most distant objects I've ever see.' Nova says. 'The most distant objects I ever will see. Not that long ago, I couldn't see the walls of the room I was sitting in. Now I'm looking at objects that are so far away, their light has been travelling for millions of years ......'
July 23, 2018
An intriguing debut novel featuring two main protagonists. Nova who has been blind since birth and Kate who is an architect. They meet in hospital and the book follows their story. Joe Heap has done an excellent job of making you understand how hard it would be for a blind person to see again. How difficult it is to do what sighted people take for granted. It also has a touch of a thriller to it and did keep me wanting to reach the end. Well worth reading.
October 12, 2018
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This starts so well but loses its way.
The characters are supposed to be intelligent but just appear silly.
Not for me.
This starts so well but loses its way.
The characters are supposed to be intelligent but just appear silly.
Not for me.
Read
December 12, 2023Nesu romanų gerbėja, bet jei randu kažką originalesnio – smalsumas nugali. Ši knyga tą originalumą žadėjo, o ir apdovanota kaip geriausias debiutinis romanas. Tikrai ne visada tos apdovanotos knygos man labai patinka, bet faktas, kad pagrindinė veikėja, nuo gimimo akla mergina, atgauna regėjimą ir iš naujo pažįsta pasaulį – papirko.
Nova akla nuo gimimo ir taip gyventi ji priprato. Puikiai orientuojasi namuose, turi mėgstamą darbą policijoje, draugų ir puikų charakterį, kuris pakeri nepažįstamuosius. Tačiau Novai atsiranda galimybė regėti. Jai tereikia ryžtis operacijai ir jos gyvenimas visiškai pasikeis. Po ilgų apmąstymų ji ryžtasi ir operacija pavyksta sėkmingai. Nova pirma kartą pamato... viską. Ir ji nežino ar tai jai labai patinka. Mergina pratinasi prie naujojo gyvenimo patirdama daug streso ir jai labai padeda ką tik pažinta Keitė. Tarp merginų mezgasi vis artimesnis ir glaudesnis ryšys, tačiau Keitę persekioja keisti demonai, kurie grasina sugriauti ir beužsimezgančius jausmus...
Trumpai: santykiai, meilės, praeitys ir mįslės man čia nelabai patiko. Nuspėjama, nuobodu ir tikrai ne originalumo viršūnė. Tačiau net išsižiojusi skaičiau apie aklo žmogaus patirtis išvystant pasaulį. Niekada nebūčiau pagalvojusi, kad tai yra taip sunku! Kad reikia ir psichologo ir ilgiausių kursų, pamokų, pagalbos... Kad visą gyvenimą aklam žmogui spalvotas ir judančių daiktų pilnas pasaulis gali būti toks baisus! Pavyzdžiui: žmogus nesuvokia atstumo. Jei jis mato daiktą toli, vis tiek tiesia ranką jį pamiti. Permatomi daiktai kaip langas, stiklas yra didžiausia mistika. Užsimerkę ir liesdami rutulį jie pasakys, kad tai rutulys, bet tik žiūrint ir neliečiant neatskirs jo nuo kubo. Vien nuo vaikščiojimo gatvėje ir judančių žmonių, automobilių – galva sukasi jau po dešimt minučių. Ir tokių faktų šita knyga pilna, ir tai buvo įdomioji jos dalis. Visa kita – matyta, girdėta ir norėjosi praverst.
Nova akla nuo gimimo ir taip gyventi ji priprato. Puikiai orientuojasi namuose, turi mėgstamą darbą policijoje, draugų ir puikų charakterį, kuris pakeri nepažįstamuosius. Tačiau Novai atsiranda galimybė regėti. Jai tereikia ryžtis operacijai ir jos gyvenimas visiškai pasikeis. Po ilgų apmąstymų ji ryžtasi ir operacija pavyksta sėkmingai. Nova pirma kartą pamato... viską. Ir ji nežino ar tai jai labai patinka. Mergina pratinasi prie naujojo gyvenimo patirdama daug streso ir jai labai padeda ką tik pažinta Keitė. Tarp merginų mezgasi vis artimesnis ir glaudesnis ryšys, tačiau Keitę persekioja keisti demonai, kurie grasina sugriauti ir beužsimezgančius jausmus...
Trumpai: santykiai, meilės, praeitys ir mįslės man čia nelabai patiko. Nuspėjama, nuobodu ir tikrai ne originalumo viršūnė. Tačiau net išsižiojusi skaičiau apie aklo žmogaus patirtis išvystant pasaulį. Niekada nebūčiau pagalvojusi, kad tai yra taip sunku! Kad reikia ir psichologo ir ilgiausių kursų, pamokų, pagalbos... Kad visą gyvenimą aklam žmogui spalvotas ir judančių daiktų pilnas pasaulis gali būti toks baisus! Pavyzdžiui: žmogus nesuvokia atstumo. Jei jis mato daiktą toli, vis tiek tiesia ranką jį pamiti. Permatomi daiktai kaip langas, stiklas yra didžiausia mistika. Užsimerkę ir liesdami rutulį jie pasakys, kad tai rutulys, bet tik žiūrint ir neliečiant neatskirs jo nuo kubo. Vien nuo vaikščiojimo gatvėje ir judančių žmonių, automobilių – galva sukasi jau po dešimt minučių. Ir tokių faktų šita knyga pilna, ir tai buvo įdomioji jos dalis. Visa kita – matyta, girdėta ir norėjosi praverst.
November 5, 2020
Visų pirmiausiai norėčiau pagirti leidyklą už tokį super dailų viršelį. Be to jis ne tik gražus, bet ir labai malonus liesti 🤭 Ant šios knygos viršelio puikuojasi užrašas, jog ši knyga yra pelniusi 2019 m. Romantic novel awards. Kaip geriausias debiutinis romanas. Sudomino mane knygos anotacija, tad ir pradėjau ją skaityti.
Šios istorijos centre - mergina vardu Nova. Ji dirba vertėjos darbą policijoje bei moka kalbėti penkiomis skirtingomis kalbomis. Taip pat yra be galo pozityvi, linksma bei draugiška. Deja yra vienas dalykas, kurio Nova daryti negali.. Tai yra regėti. Ji gimė akla ir visą gyvenimą taip ir gyveno.. Iki lemtingos dienos, kuomet jos brolis Aleksas papasakojo jai apie operaciją, kurios dėka galėtų regėti. Skamba kaip svajonės išsipildymas, tiesa?
O ši svajonė pasirodo ne visai tokia, kokios Nova tikėjosi.. Ji nepažįsta šio visiškai naujo pasaulio.. Jame jai viskas svetima bei nauja.
Nutinka taip, jog Nova susipažįsta su Keite. Keitė nušviečia Novos gyvenimą visai kitomis spalvomis.. Tarp jų užsimezga ryšys. Bet čia merginomis koją pradeda kišti Keitės praeitis, kuri pasirodo, jog yra labai sunki..
Kai paėmiau šią knygą į rankas jokių išankstinių nuostatų ar lūkesčių aš neturėjau. Pati istorijos idėja mane tikrai sudomino, tačiau manęs neįtikino jos išpildymas.. Buvo tikrai įdomu skaityti apie Novą bei jos mokymąsi matyti pasaulį, tačiau vietomis net erzino Keitės personažas.. Jai nebuvo gerai su savo vyru Toniu, bet ji svarstė apie tai, jog reiktų susilaukti vaiko 🙈 Kuo toliau, knyga darėsi vis keistesnė, o vietomis kai kuriuos skyrius norėjosi net ir praversti.
Ne, ši knyga nebus tarp mano mėgiamiausių, bet visai prasta jos irgi nepavadinčiau. Tiesiog gal šį kartą teigčiau, jog ji buvo ne visai mano skonio. Aš šventai tikiu, jog kiekviena knyga turi savo skaitytoją, tačiau šį kartą tai tikrai ne aš.
Šios istorijos centre - mergina vardu Nova. Ji dirba vertėjos darbą policijoje bei moka kalbėti penkiomis skirtingomis kalbomis. Taip pat yra be galo pozityvi, linksma bei draugiška. Deja yra vienas dalykas, kurio Nova daryti negali.. Tai yra regėti. Ji gimė akla ir visą gyvenimą taip ir gyveno.. Iki lemtingos dienos, kuomet jos brolis Aleksas papasakojo jai apie operaciją, kurios dėka galėtų regėti. Skamba kaip svajonės išsipildymas, tiesa?
O ši svajonė pasirodo ne visai tokia, kokios Nova tikėjosi.. Ji nepažįsta šio visiškai naujo pasaulio.. Jame jai viskas svetima bei nauja.
Nutinka taip, jog Nova susipažįsta su Keite. Keitė nušviečia Novos gyvenimą visai kitomis spalvomis.. Tarp jų užsimezga ryšys. Bet čia merginomis koją pradeda kišti Keitės praeitis, kuri pasirodo, jog yra labai sunki..
Kai paėmiau šią knygą į rankas jokių išankstinių nuostatų ar lūkesčių aš neturėjau. Pati istorijos idėja mane tikrai sudomino, tačiau manęs neįtikino jos išpildymas.. Buvo tikrai įdomu skaityti apie Novą bei jos mokymąsi matyti pasaulį, tačiau vietomis net erzino Keitės personažas.. Jai nebuvo gerai su savo vyru Toniu, bet ji svarstė apie tai, jog reiktų susilaukti vaiko 🙈 Kuo toliau, knyga darėsi vis keistesnė, o vietomis kai kuriuos skyrius norėjosi net ir praversti.
Ne, ši knyga nebus tarp mano mėgiamiausių, bet visai prasta jos irgi nepavadinčiau. Tiesiog gal šį kartą teigčiau, jog ji buvo ne visai mano skonio. Aš šventai tikiu, jog kiekviena knyga turi savo skaitytoją, tačiau šį kartą tai tikrai ne aš.
July 4, 2023
3,5/5 ✰
absolutely loved this one. it completely surprised me because i didn’t know what i was getting myself into (i bought this book 4-5 years ago if not more…)
this reading experience was really intense and important. the book talks about blindness, learning to see the world when you’ve been blind your whole life, emotional and physical abuse, domestic violence, love, resilience, …
i also really love the fact that it involves a woman/woman relationship without it being the main plot of the story. it comes naturally and blends into everything in the best way possible! i love women
absolutely loved this one. it completely surprised me because i didn’t know what i was getting myself into (i bought this book 4-5 years ago if not more…)
this reading experience was really intense and important. the book talks about blindness, learning to see the world when you’ve been blind your whole life, emotional and physical abuse, domestic violence, love, resilience, …
i also really love the fact that it involves a woman/woman relationship without it being the main plot of the story. it comes naturally and blends into everything in the best way possible! i love women
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