We Have Never Lived on Earth

Van Schaik debuts with a compelling collection of short stories. The character-driven coming-of-age narratives focus on Charlotte, a South African immigrant raised by her single mother in Canada. The stories explore every intimate aspect of life: “House on Carbonate” touches on the innocence of young friends and first kisses, while “A Girl Called Helsinki” explores the darkness and dangers of womanhood in today’s world. Notes of fantasy give the richly detailed writing a dreamlike atmosphere, while topics from objectification to ecology keep listeners tethered to reality. Narrator Marysia Bucholc gives a sedate, straightforward performance, allowing Van Schaik’s lyrical style to take center stage. In her casual Canadian cadence, with notes of nasality, Bucholc presents the prose in an almost apathetic manner that contrasts artfully with the engaging and emotional content. Some sections of the audiobook, such as the table of contents and endnotes, would be better if presented in an accompanying PDF.