Thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for this advance reader copy, in exchange for an honest review. The Expert of Subtle Revisions is a book that I found to be best jumping into, headfirst, without much of a preface. It’s difficult to describe the plot but, to say that it’s an enjoyable literary mystery that takes you all over the place, in the span of a few hundred pages, is definitely true.

I enjoyed this book but, definitely had to be in the right head space for it. There are two stories, in two different timelines, being told here; ultimately, they overlap, but I found it important to pay attention to little details to appreciate how these stories connected. The author’s writing was sharp and kept you engrossed in the story, whichever point in time you were at. This was not a perfect book and at times, I felt like I really needed to push through. But, I’m glad I stuck with it.

I’d recommend this book and look forward to seeing what others think!

DNF - In the past, I would have gladly worked through this whole book but, this time around I found the pacing rather annoying. I wanted a more profound narration & a deeper exploration of the void that was their experiences. The plot is interesting & the right reader will eat this up.

A totally fascinating story about "what could have been, in another life". The book follows a young woman Hase and her father.

And secondly, in an alternate timeline, it follows academics (smarties!) working at the University of Vienna. Eventually both points of view are connected, and the twists on how they are kept me running back to keep reading this book.

This author has a way with words - her writing is captivating, and her phrasing is stunning. I was extremely disappointed to see she has no other books, as I immediately wanted to read more of her work. Unique, excellent book.

Serious readers of fiction recognize that some novels just don’t work, while others just push all the right buttons. Kirsten Menger-Anderson’s delightful debut novel, “The Expert of Subtle Revisions”, pulled me in from the very beginning and never let me go.

What are those buttons? Math, between the Great Wars Vienna, classical piano, the tortured halls of Academia, San Francisco, libraries, music boxes, and Wikipedia just for a start. Menger-Anderson has an exquisite touch when it comes to capturing a scene, both visually as well as in tone.

“The Expert of Subtle Revisions” is like an exhilarating carnival ride where anything may happen at any time, and all a reader needs to do is hold on tight. Sometimes Menger-Anderson takes you to completely unexpected places, even implausible ones. But, no matter - can’t wait for what comes next.

At one level “The Expert of Subtle Revisions” unfolds as a Gothic mystery. But at its core,, the story focuses on the human need for searching for understanding, and while never quite finding it, always staying committed to the quest.

I look forward to closely tracking Ms. Menger-Anderson’s success with “The Expert of Subtle Revisions” as well as all future efforts.

Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC.