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alexrobinsonsupergenius's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Things get meta as Karl Ova’s life is turned upside down by the release of the first volume in the series. The middle of the book is a very long analysis of a Celine poem and (maybe I should’ve guessed?) Hitler’s Mein Kampf. Fortunately while I don’t care for poetry I’m fascinated by Hitler but people who enjoy neither might be in for a rough ride as it makes up at least a quarter of the book.
I can only guess that analyzing the memoir of a monster helped him come to terms with his being perceived as a monster himself after the release of Volume 1.
When he returns to chronicling his escalating family dramas in the last third it’s a welcome relief. I won’t go into details but it was somewhat frustrating, as it ends very abruptly when the subject matter could’ve made a fascinating book in its own right.
Still I’m happy to have undertaken this journey with an author who is willing to sacrifice almost everything in his pursuit of “literary realism”—or at least a convincing imitation.
I also want to compliment the narrator who did a terrific job with a wide range of characters at a wide range of ages.
I can only guess that analyzing the memoir of a monster helped him come to terms with his being perceived as a monster himself after the release of Volume 1.
When he returns to chronicling his escalating family dramas in the last third it’s a welcome relief. I won’t go into details but it was somewhat frustrating, as it ends very abruptly when the subject matter could’ve made a fascinating book in its own right.
Still I’m happy to have undertaken this journey with an author who is willing to sacrifice almost everything in his pursuit of “literary realism”—or at least a convincing imitation.
I also want to compliment the narrator who did a terrific job with a wide range of characters at a wide range of ages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, and Infidelity
whatrachelread's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Well, I did it.
For me, Knausgaard is at his most engrossing when he is speaking about his own life and experiences.
I have to admit that I skimmed a great deal of the Hitler section.
For me, Knausgaard is at his most engrossing when he is speaking about his own life and experiences.
I have to admit that I skimmed a great deal of the Hitler section.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
katiehuntington's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Though it's impossible to review this book separately from the five that came before it, it was certainly the hardest volume for me to get through. The writing is strong and compelling (aside from the lengthy essay on Hitler), but Knausgaard's exasperation and disillusionment with his own literary experiment is palpable. It is difficult to offer cohesive reflections and insight on experiences you are still living through. That being said, the series is fascinating and potent because of its deep imperfections -- not in spite of them. As a whole, a remarkable and undeniable feat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death of parent, Excrement, Grief, Toxic relationship, Antisemitism, Blood, Death, Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Adult/minor relationship, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, and Sexual content
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