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knkoch's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fascinating, mysterious, conceptual book I could picture so vividly. The prose was remarkably spare, clear, and smooth, which immersed me inside the unusual speculative story. It worked well that I went in knowing nothing, as I couldn’t really predict each new development.
This reminded me of Jesse Jacobs’ graphic novels in that there were no references, allusions, adornments, or distractions from the premise. It’s pared down to ideas, applied to a specific scenario, and it’s open-ended and rich enough to lead thought in many directions. I imagine rereading could be fruitful.
The afterword in this edition was really interesting, and learning a bit about Harpman’s life gave potential context to certain setup choices. But overall, I liked how enigmatic this was and enjoyed where it led my thinking.
This reminded me of Jesse Jacobs’ graphic novels in that there were no references, allusions, adornments, or distractions from the premise. It’s pared down to ideas, applied to a specific scenario, and it’s open-ended and rich enough to lead thought in many directions. I imagine rereading could be fruitful.
The afterword in this edition was really interesting, and learning a bit about Harpman’s life gave potential context to certain setup choices. But overall, I liked how enigmatic this was and enjoyed where it led my thinking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Death
thejessiejoy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ali3's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
cmangan's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
satchbooks's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
really enjoyed this. kinda surreal diary from someone in a situation which you have no idea if it ever happened. some could say it's pointless. i found it to be artistic.
hdwyerrr's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
morniingstar's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
beysblade's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I was disappointed in this book. I couldn’t wait for it to be over (which is crazy bc it’s such a short book). It was bizarre and overly sexual. I’ve heard so many good things about this book but was wildly disappointed.