Summary
“State of Paradise” by Laura van den Berg is a gripping novel set in the underbelly of Florida. The story follows a ghostwriter who, along with her husband, returns to her mother’s house in the town where she grew up. As the summer heat intensifies, she grapples with family secrets and memories of her troubled you
Main character
The main character of “State of Paradise” by Laura van den Berg is a ghostwriter who returns to her mother’s house in Florida along with her husband.She grapples with family secrets, her sister’s mysterious disappearance, and the eerie happenings in the town1.
Central Conflict
The central conflicts in “State of Paradise” by Laura van den Berg revolve around:
- Family Secrets: The protagonist grapples with long-buried family secrets that resurface when she returns to her mother’s house.
- Sister’s Disappearance: The mysterious disappearance of her sister during a violent rainstorm and her subsequent return with claims of having been in another dimension..
Theme
“State of Paradise” by Laura van den Berg explores several intriguing themes:
- Reality vs. Fiction: The novel delves into the blurred lines between reality and fiction, especially through the use of the virtual reality device, MIND’S EYE1.
- Family Dynamics: It examines the complexities of family relationships, secrets, and the impact of the past on the present1.
- Technology’s Influence: The story highlights the impact of technology on perception and reality, questioning how it shapes our understanding of the world1.
Narrative Style
The narrative style of “State of Paradise” by Laura van den Berg is quite unique and engaging.
- Blurring Reality and Fiction: The story constantly dances on the border between fiction and nonfiction, making readers question what is real and what is imagined1.
- Psychogeography: The book offers a deep study of Florida’s landscape, intertwining it with the protagonist’s psychological journey1.
- Control and Style: Van den Berg maintains inimitable control over the narrative, creating a thrilling and unpredictable story3.
Author Point of view
In “State of Paradise” by Laura van den Berg, the story is told from a third-person point of view.This narrative perspective allows the author to delve deeply into the protagonist’s experiences and the eerie happenings in the town, while also providing a broader view of the surrounding environment and other characters
