Scan barcode
kateitorloveitbooks's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
tbsims's review against another edition
5.0
really beautifully written - the descriptions, the feelings conveyed, the mystical path to enlightenment...
Learning of other cultures and countries. Other's perspectives.
Learning of other cultures and countries. Other's perspectives.
beedew's review against another edition
3.0
I would give this a 3.5 if I could. Crisp writing with momentum and beauty. Another review said the book examines grief without the usual cliches. I agree with this. I would definitely check out this writer's other novel. The story is a quick, engaging and complex read. It may not take you long to get through it, but it will linger in your mind afterwards.
aurorabulgaris's review against another edition
4.0
It's a different story, it's a different take on things. I liked it. And of course, I loved the mentions and descriptions of Finland and Lapland ❤️
bookymartha's review against another edition
fast-paced
2.25
I don't think this book was for me -- the writing style was a little too cold, and even though I was interested by the plot it didn't grip me. I wish it wasn't quite so ableist the entire way through, and even as a plot point. I especially wish that rape wasn't used as a "shocking" plot twist that wasn't explored with any nuance at all. I don't think it helped that I didn't like the main character! I did learn a lot about Sami culture though, which was lovely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Pregnancy, and Rape
bettyvd's review against another edition
2.0
Hier had ik wat meer van verwacht. Een dochter die op zoek gaat naar haar vader en haar moeder niet vindt... Maar toch wat afstandelijk.
chelseamartinez's review against another edition
5.0
This book has a lot in common with You Shall Know Our Velocity and "Garden State." Both of which I really liked but I think just for its leanness I like this one the most.
Don't laugh at me for liking "Garden State" by the way. I was so bummed when I tried watching "Scrubs" later and found that it was such a hammy, crappy TV show.
Anyhow, this book is about family dying and about anger after random acts of violence, so actually it mashes up themes of both Dave Eggers's good books.
One thing I especially liked was that although the setting is fantastical, everything in the book feels very real. Vida also does a really good job of making all the people who are the subject of the protagonist's rage seem like whole, shaded characters.
I think the worst possible thing that can happen when reading a book is finding that an author isn't up to being serious about something - when they lose their narrative resolve somewhere in the middle. This book is funny at times, but I was consistently impressed with Vida's ability to make me care about a person, a place, a family who keep their distance without any false sappy notes.
Don't laugh at me for liking "Garden State" by the way. I was so bummed when I tried watching "Scrubs" later and found that it was such a hammy, crappy TV show.
Anyhow, this book is about family dying and about anger after random acts of violence, so actually it mashes up themes of both Dave Eggers's good books.
One thing I especially liked was that although the setting is fantastical, everything in the book feels very real. Vida also does a really good job of making all the people who are the subject of the protagonist's rage seem like whole, shaded characters.
I think the worst possible thing that can happen when reading a book is finding that an author isn't up to being serious about something - when they lose their narrative resolve somewhere in the middle. This book is funny at times, but I was consistently impressed with Vida's ability to make me care about a person, a place, a family who keep their distance without any false sappy notes.