Reviews

A System So Magnificent It Is Blinding by Amanda Svensson

njw13's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious 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

3.5

ady_soundslike80's review against another edition

challenging funny mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This is one of the books from the International Booker Prize longlist that did not make the shortlist. I actually see that most of the readers have NOT cared for this book. I really enjoyed it though. The vibes of this book (NOT the plot or character) remind me of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (the 2-season BBC TV-series… I haven’t read the book). This book is wacky and weird. It has an odd sense of humor and is WAY over-the-top. But there is also an element of connectedness that resonates with me. I really enjoyed this book! I think it is likely a book that isn’t for everyone… but it IS for ME!

laurahastoomanywips's review against another edition

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

2.0

Definitely wasn't for me. The style was very confusing and rambling, a bit like a stream of consciousness moving from one person to another's thoughts. 
With thanks to the Pigeonhole for the opportunity.

amesforbooks's review against another edition

funny mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

hillaryreadseverything's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

clmckinney's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is the epic tale of a set of triplets. We follow along the adventures/misadventures of 3 twins who live dramatically different lives. This book is zany and screwball in many ways. It is essentially about family and how life is always battling with order and chaos. There is coincidence and there is randomness. I enjoyed much of this novel, but near the end, it started to get a little too preposterous for me. I just felt they could have dialled back the unusual plot line a bit. It seemed to be influenced by David Mitchell or Ali Smith.  I give this one a 4/5. 

bodiesinbooks's review against another edition

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

albinotiger's review against another edition

Tapped out. A book readable but seemingly never ending

eunicek82's review against another edition

challenging mysterious fast-paced

2.0

This book was really not for me. It was too weird (and I like a weird book) and too long. It felt like there was too much going on but also not enough. I do think the translation was fantastic, fluent and with excellent use of the vernacular, so much so that I was convinced that parts were written in English originally. 

doramac's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5