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chrismartin76's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
sandin954's review against another edition
3.0
While there is a murder investigation this is really more of a look at Rome and the various types, both immigrant and Italian, that make up the fabric of the city. A quick read, the story was both funny and depressing in equal measures.
kidclamp's review against another edition
3.0
Throughout the first half of this book I hated it, but the second half I somehow warmed to.
A short novel, told in part by each resident of an apartment building in Italy, concerning the death of a man in an elevator in an apartment building. The story is mostly concerned with the residents and their view of immigrants or natives and how they see themselves and are seen.
With a conscious effort I could see and appreciate the humor, but I just didn't feel it inherently and couldn't get totally into the book at once. It's a short read though and I got interested toward the end but still never fell in love with it.
A very solid "meh"
A short novel, told in part by each resident of an apartment building in Italy, concerning the death of a man in an elevator in an apartment building. The story is mostly concerned with the residents and their view of immigrants or natives and how they see themselves and are seen.
With a conscious effort I could see and appreciate the humor, but I just didn't feel it inherently and couldn't get totally into the book at once. It's a short read though and I got interested toward the end but still never fell in love with it.
A very solid "meh"
barbaraf's review against another edition
3.0
Questa era la lettura richiesta per il mio corso di italiano a San Francisco. Per quanto riguarda leggibilità e grammatica, è stato davvero buono. Per quanto riguarda la storia, è stato decente. È la storia di un gruppo di persone che vivono nello stesso condominio a Roma. Sono tutti personaggi strani, alcuni italiani e alcuni immigrati. Le loro storie individuali sono ritratte in diversi capitoli in cui ognuno racconta la propria storia. C'è un amato protagonista, Amadeo che è algerian ma si spaccia per italiano. C'è un omicidio in ascensore (il 'gladiatore') ma alla fine si è meritato di morire. Quindi è 'chi l'ha fatto'... 3.5 stelle
amberplatel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nmrubeck's review against another edition
5.0
un romanzo corto e magnifico. dice tanto sulla cultura italiana e il suo rapporto con l’immigrazione in europa. il mio istruttore laureato mi ha prestata una coppia un’anno e mezzo fa e l’ho letta lentissimamente—non vedo l’ora di incontrarci di nuovo e glielo restituire. grazie mauro!
dsinton's review against another edition
3.0
Well-written and great job of weaving together the characters. Poignant and funny.
hannah5833mcintosh's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25