“Kairos” is a cathartic leak of a novel, a beautiful bummer, and the floodgates open early, our book critic writes.

 

“Kairos” is a cathartic leak of a novel, a beautiful bummer, and the floodgates open early, our book critic writes.

Jenny Erpenbeck became a writer because her country vanished overnight.

cathartic

/kəˈθɑːtɪk/

adjective

1. 1.

   providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions; causing catharsis.

   "crying is a cathartic release"

   Similar:

   purgative

   purging

   purifying

   cleansing

   cleaning

   releasing

   relieving

   freeing

   delivering

   exorcising

   ridding

   abreactive

   depurative

   lustral

   Opposite:

   repressive
2. 2.

   MEDICINE

   purgative.

noun

MEDICINE

1. a purgative drug.

A bummer is a huge disappointment. It's a bummer when you try out for a big role in a play and don't end up getting it. The word bummer is a very casual way to describe or make note of a frustrating experience.

Bummer - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms - Vocabulary.com