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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
Need to come back to this. Read about 1/3 . . . reminded me a little of Canticle for Liebowitz in feel (vibe) but nothing else . . . worth reading, but requires calm quiet time, dry air, a breeze, an ocean . . . to enjoy.
Read this book in the original language (German) and enjoyed it alot.
Every chapter follows a different character and so the story unfolds and in the end, everything fits and every story strand is tied up neatly. The ending is very surprising and satisfying.
The themes are generally dark (bordering on disturbing) and serious, but I'm just more used to the YA genre.
Every chapter follows a different character and so the story unfolds and in the end, everything fits and every story strand is tied up neatly. The ending is very surprising and satisfying.
The themes are generally dark (bordering on disturbing) and serious, but I'm just more used to the YA genre.
More than a little depressing. But unique, in the real meaning of the word -- I've never read anything like it, nothing even slightly similar. As far as world-building novels go, I think it's the best I've seen, but there's a different viewpoint character for every chapter, which means that you don't really get to know anyone. But even so, the short glimpses of character you get are impressive. And the plotting is impeccable. It's different -- I guess that's what makes me unsure about it. For what it is, it's amazing.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Very interesting. Its short stories of different characters, but with an tie in weaved throughout.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Rape, Murder
Grand in scope this story is told at the individual family level. It's one of those stories that takes hold of your imagination in the first few pages and never let's go - even long after you've finished. Excellent read.
This addendum is added in 2021 - 11 years after writing that short review, and I still refer others to this book. Apparently it’s had a rather profound impact on the types of stories I like to read. Yes, the gee-wiz sci-fi stuff is great, but if coupled with complex character and cultural development, essentially understanding why and how things have evolved in the story, then the book can have much deeper meaning and a long term impact. Just like The Carpet Makers.
This addendum is added in 2021 - 11 years after writing that short review, and I still refer others to this book. Apparently it’s had a rather profound impact on the types of stories I like to read. Yes, the gee-wiz sci-fi stuff is great, but if coupled with complex character and cultural development, essentially understanding why and how things have evolved in the story, then the book can have much deeper meaning and a long term impact. Just like The Carpet Makers.
Slice of a nihilistic universe told through initally weakly interlinked stories that gradually build to a mystery.
Fascinating and very satisfying by the end. So much to sit and think about afterwards, plenty of meaning to unpack. I love how the story world grows and grows with each chapter.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No