Family dynamics and the truth lead the plot in this uniquely written Booker Short List novel by Katie Kitamura. Here is my Book Review Audition by Katie Kitamura.

A Puzzle

Kitamura tells this story in multiple narratives between two characters who drive the plot. It opens in a coffee shop where a well respected actress is dining with a much younger attractive man. The reader is left to ponder what exactly is going on here? When the women’s husband comes into the restaurant, but apparently doesn’t see her, she is left to wonder who is hiding what from who.

Family Dynamics

The plot leaves you hanging but eventually it becomes clear that the actress is hiding a secret from her past. Keeping that secret from her husband as well. The young man is possibly her son…but the narrative flips between chapters and the reader is left to figure out what is the truth in this women’s story.

Book Review Audition Katie Kitamura

This short novel (only 197 pages) left me flat, but it’s a quick read and some people might enjoy Kitamura’s work. As I mentioned in an earlier review, I am less than enamored by the 2025 Booker Award and shortlisted novels.

***Three stars for Audition by Katie Kitamura. See last week’s book review Confessions of a Problem Seeker by Howard Steinberg.

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