Book Review | Chrysalis: A Novel

In an underwhelming and milquetoast read, Chrysalis by Anna Metcalfe follows a nameless woman’s journey into becoming a wellness influencer who physically isolates herself from others.

Coming into this book, I was hoping for a surreal, Cronenberg-esque metamorphosis based on the cover and phrases like “extreme” and “bizarre” in the blurb, but what I got instead was a dull book with no bite. The plot itself is threadbare and centers around dull descriptions of meals and a woman doing yoga.

Overall, there are so many books out there that tackle this book’s themes in a way that's compelling and isn’t afraid to go off the rails. For instance, if you are looking for a commentary on social media and obsession, I strongly recommend A Touch of Jen, or if it’s the alienation aspect from the plot summary that appeals to you, try My Year of Rest and Relaxation instead.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Details:

Publication Date : April 11, 2023

Publisher : Random House

IBSN : 059344695X

Pages : 272

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