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deanna_rigney's review
3.0
This is a poignant little novella about an American coward and his strange adventures in bravery during an odd turn of events in the midst of WWI. Humor and romance sweeten the story without botching it up. Apparently this was an idea Wilder had for a screenplay back in the late '60s, but he abandoned the project. I couldn't help but envision a younger version of Wilder as the main charcter. Very short (178 pages,) simple, and entertaining.
lilithsternins's review against another edition
1.0
Look. I don't know why I had high expectations because it was written by Gene Wilder. Granted I added this to me TBR at like 15 or 16. But what the actual heck was this crap??? Like. What was the point. I also don't know why I was shocked to see how little respect he showed women. Gross.
dr_christine's review
4.0
I finally found this book in the library. I love Gene Wilder's writing style and when I found out that he wrote fiction I was so excited to read it.
I recommend Kiss Me Like a Stranger (his autobiography) to everyone. I just love him.
I recommend Kiss Me Like a Stranger (his autobiography) to everyone. I just love him.
oceanwriter's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I tried letting this one sit for a while to see if I was simply in a cynical mood when I read it. Time didn’t end up making my memory fonder. Quite the opposite.
I’ve had this book on my TBR for several years because I like a number of Gene Wilder’s movies. I put it off because of the title, assuming it wasn’t going to be my cup of tea. I do like the time it’s set and the idea behind the war portion of the story is intriguing. Had this been wholly about a man who assumed the identity of a spy I think I would have enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it was more about Paul and Annie.
There’s no doubt that Gene Wilder created the character of Paul. If this had been a screenplay from the 1970s it’s easy to envision Wilder portraying him in a historical comedy film. That being said, this character was not one I enjoyed reading in a novel. Annie was slightly more tolerable, though showed little personality on the pages. There’s also major plot holes as well as completely dropping certain storylines, such as the one regarding Paul’s wife. Had the book been longer it might have been redeemable.
Certainly a disappointing read because there have been screenplays by Gene Wilder that I’ve enjoyed even with the zaniness. I guess that style just didn’t translate well to a book for me.
I’ve had this book on my TBR for several years because I like a number of Gene Wilder’s movies. I put it off because of the title, assuming it wasn’t going to be my cup of tea. I do like the time it’s set and the idea behind the war portion of the story is intriguing. Had this been wholly about a man who assumed the identity of a spy I think I would have enjoyed it. Unfortunately, it was more about Paul and Annie.
There’s no doubt that Gene Wilder created the character of Paul. If this had been a screenplay from the 1970s it’s easy to envision Wilder portraying him in a historical comedy film. That being said, this character was not one I enjoyed reading in a novel. Annie was slightly more tolerable, though showed little personality on the pages. There’s also major plot holes as well as completely dropping certain storylines, such as the one regarding Paul’s wife. Had the book been longer it might have been redeemable.
Certainly a disappointing read because there have been screenplays by Gene Wilder that I’ve enjoyed even with the zaniness. I guess that style just didn’t translate well to a book for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Sexual content, War, and Death
drjostice's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lizjane's review
3.0
A quick read and better than I had expected! Very well done in a short, almost poetic style. It made me smile.
beccajreads's review against another edition
3.0
I feel like there was a lot missing to this story and that makes me a little sad really, because it has so much promise of being something utterly brilliant. But with lots of missing detail and generally being short it's just good.
It's a lovely story but I was left wanting more - whilst often is a sign of a good book, in this case I feel it's a sign of rushed work.
It's a lovely story but I was left wanting more - whilst often is a sign of a good book, in this case I feel it's a sign of rushed work.
shelflife's review
4.0
Very cute little book! For anyone who has ever read the Scarlett Pimpernel would love this story by Gene Wilder.
clovers_mom's review against another edition
4.0
Gene Wilder broke my heart with this book. It's so touching and genuine. The story of a cowardly soldier who ends up falling in love with a whore only to ultimately become a hero. It's a very fast read.