Reviews

The Secret Lives of People in Love by Simon Van Booy

theladyjsays's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective slow-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? N/A

4.0

bobnaidus's review against another edition

5.0

Very sad portrayals of creatures loving others. Interesting language chosen for descriptions.

seirinou's review against another edition

4.0

His writing style is beautiful. It’s wise, and it gives you a sense of hope in life. Not necessarily my favorite, but I applaud this short story collection. :)

farkle's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

2.5

marionhoney's review

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.25

While there were some standout one liner moments of metaphor, I kept feeling uneasy throughout. Too heavy handed? And some uncomfortable character descriptions that felt ableist or anti-fat. More melancholic than the spirit lift I was hoping for. 

hichristina's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.25

amyinthewind's review against another edition

5.0

Beautifully, skillfully, artfully written. I didn't like all of the stories, per se, but a well-written story is not always one that the reader "likes." I have to say that the stories were not what I expected, given the title of the book...most were very bittersweet, filled with grief and brokenness, and written from unexpected points of view. I liked that it was new...and beautiful.

alexandriapaige's review against another edition

3.0

Here's my review: http://thebookbanner.blogspot.com/2012/03/by-simon-van-booy-published-harper.html

cheaney_reads's review against another edition

5.0

A beautiful collection of love stories, romantic love, familial love, friendly love, love for those we lose, love for those we hope to find again, love for people we don't know, love for the people we hope to know better. I've never read a single story never mind a collection of stories that truly explains what love is and what love is about, as clearly and understanding of human nature as this book does.

sydneymh's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-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? It's complicated

3.0

I looooved "Where They Hide is a Mystery" and "The Still But Falling World". This collection feels like it's mostly about grief and longing, which I guess are just other words for love. Very nice sentiments throughout.