AtaraxiaKaterina by James Frey was published in 2018. Blending autobiography and fiction, the author explores the rekindling of his youthful love in a world filled with art and nostalgia.
At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to Jay, a successful author living in Los Angeles who finds himself in an existential crisis, especially after receiving a message from his old flame, Katerina. The story alternates between the current correspondence between the two main characters and chapters that recount their past relationship. This dual narrative allows us to see two sides of each character and experience their stories from beginning to end simultaneously.
Jay moves to Paris with the intention of becoming a writer. However, he quickly falls into alcohol and drugs, withdraws into himself, and fails to write the novel he intended to “burn the world to ashes.” That is, until he meets the mysterious Katerina. We get a glimpse of Paris, its museums, and these two deeply compelling characters.
This is a book that compels introspection, allowing us to follow the demons of a man, both past and present. We grow attached to Katerina, and even come to understand Jay’s nostalgia. It is a powerful book that shows us the strength of love, the importance of art, and the weight of nostalgia. More than just a book, Katerina is a work of art in itself. It also delves into the struggles and journey toward sobriety, the dependency on substances, and the obsession that can be sparked by a single encounter. We discover a darker side of Paris than we are used to. We see an exquisite woman, a woman who has the power to change a man, and a destiny that seems to have taken a different path. James Frey offers an introspective journey that leaves us questioning what is real in the end.
As a reader, I stumbled upon this book by chance in a bookstore. I didn’t know the author, and in fact, I ended up buying the book solely because of its cover—I didn’t even read the synopsis. It’s as if the book found me, and yet it’s only now, five years later, that I’m writing about it. Few stories have impacted me as much as this one. Through Jay’s introspection, I was able to conduct my own. This book offers a new perspective on the attachment we have to past relationships and helps us move beyond the nostalgia that holds us back.
A poignant book that will capture the hearts of many readers. Unlike light and humorous romantic tales, this is a real epic journey we are entering. The characters navigate between love and destruction, and the contrast with the current correspondence adds a unique perspective to this striking book that will resonate with each of us and leave a lasting impression.
James Frey is also the author of A Million Little Pieces, another profound book that tackles themes such as addiction, love, friendship, and recovery. It is a harrowing account of the reality that thousands of people face around the world.
