I always find it harder to write a review for a book that I adored, for some reason, and so had to really sit and think about what to say other than: OOF but this is good. I found Self-Portrait with Nothing to be immensely moving, but in a subtle way which caught me unawares. Especially as someone prone to their own "in another universe" thinking, it really resonated with me. This perhaps isn't surprising - alternate universes are a favourite feature in fiction for me - but this book seemed to hit something deeper. The alternate universe aspect allowed for a lot of reflection, rather than just being a plot mechanism.
Pepper, the protagonist, is far from perfect - but she acknowledges these flaws in a way which really helps you to empathise with her. There's also an unwinding and intricate plot, meticulously thought out, and with a lot of intrigue. I kept turning aspects of the book over in my mind upon finishing it.
I'm hugely keen to see what Aimee Pokwatka writes next!

A genuinely moving and lovely book. I was rooting for Pepper - I liked her, with her two moms, and her constant pondering of what she might be doing in another universe where she made different choices. I do the same in my own life, but the biological mother who was an artist gave it an interesting twist.

Pepper is a woman surrounded by supporting and loving people. Her moms and their veterinary practice, her job where she is well respected. Her husband who adores her, even though she would go days without calling. Yet with all the love around her she is still seeking out her biological mom. Her "what ifs."

Highly recommended.

Beyond amazing! This book was an incredible read and I can't recommend it enough. This is a book you'll want on your shelf and to give as a gift. Everyone needs to read it.

I loved this book. Keep me involved all night. Magical, creepy, sci-fi, brilliant. I hope to read more by this author.

Possible 4.5 stars.

I honestly really enjoyed this book and hypothetically it would be 5 stars. However, my one personal “issue” was that I was hoping for a more horror-esque story when it’s actually more sci-fi. That being said, if you like sci-fi, you’ll LOVE this and in an alternate universe (haha) it would be a favorite of mine. It was well thought out and perfectly executed, just not what I wanted at this moment in time. Hopefully that makes since. Anyway yeah read this book.

The writing quality of this book is first-rate, and the main character pulled me in and broke my heart. She's the abandoned daughter of a famous painter. The painter specializes in portraits with a special quality - when your portrait is painted, it pulls a version of you from an alternate universe into this one. When the painter disappears, our narrator has to find her, and unravel the mysteries of her art, while facing the question, "Is there some version of me that's doing better than this?"

We all wonder that, don't we? I could connect pretty deeply with the main character, and I love the way the author handles the affectionate text messages between her and her husband. I kept getting stuck on the question, "But why would anyone ever commission one of these portraits?" Pokwatka does try to answer the question, but I couldn't quite wrap my head around the person who wouldn't immediately recognize this as a terrible idea.

Then again, the world is full of people who act on terrible ideas, isn't it?

This is well worth your time.