Review: Mirror, Shoulder, Signal by Dorthe Nors

Sonja is taking driving lessons, but they’re not going too well. She’s also not overly successful with her relationships. Awkwardly wiggling out of social gatherings, and trying and failing to connect with her sister, it seems that the only constant in her life is the books she translates; their plots dark and haunting. Basically, Sonja is not fairing too well at being an adult, and she’s only now – in her forties – beginning to admit it to herself, and wonder how to rectify this.

In Mirror, Shoulder, Signal, the reader plays the ultimate voyeur. We’re afforded a unique view into Sonja’s mind, through her memories, thoughts and experiences. As Sonja tries to make sense of her inner monologue and embroider its contents into an understandable pattern, she can’t help but notice the imperfections in her life. Her estranged sister is a constant shadow with no apparent source, and her status as a single female makes her question her own loveability.

Mirror, Shoulder, Signal is difficult to define – deeply reflective and brutally honest thoughts mingle with a sly wit and dry sarcasm which basically make Sonja an unlikely hero for any woman with an inner monologue that’s louder than her voice. This book is a wise peek into the mind – a behind the scenes glance of one woman’s seeming mundanity and every day drudgery, and it is a great trip. In addition, the narrative is hopeful and inspirational – Sonja is not a lost cause, nor without promise. Realisation is her knight in shining armour, and she’s about to be her own hero, in life, love and everything else. She is woman, hear her roar.

Mirror, Shoulder, Signal by Dorthe Nors is published by Pushkin Press, and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.