Reviews

Opowieść zombilijna by Adam Roberts

timinbc's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Folks, I don't think this book was meant to be taken seriously and judged against Alastair Reynolds or Olaf Stapledon. I suspect a better comparison would be a Christmas panto, with the audience shouting, "Oh no you won't!" and "Look out!" at key points.

OK, I almost didn't finish this, but when I pressed on it got better. There are some truly awful jokes and puns in here, and I am certain they are awful on purpose. There are many cultural references, and I am sure I missed some of them. You had to expect, for example, a hint to a certain song by the Cranberries.

As we near the end, the plot actually coalesces - congeals? - into a structure that actually must have taken some thought. That, and the explanation of what Christmas REALLY celebrates.

Minus one for various editing slips, including "breath" as a verb several times and a few homonym errors that make me think the book was dictated or auto-corrected.

Read it quickly, and enjoy.

virtualreba's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

A weird, but not uninteresting, version of A Christmas Carol. Perfect quick read if you’re a lover of zombies, halloween, not-Christmas Christmas movies, or other Christmas alternatives.

mayke's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Fun alternative to the classic Dickens. Though the story got long and dreading sometimes.

pagesoftea_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective 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

2.5

mebbs's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This was entertaining enough for an evening read. As I am currently teaching the original to my GCSE classes, I liked making links to the real storyline.
It was at times clever and funny, but at others tended towards the "try-hard" arena.
Like I said, entertaining for an evening but somewhat hit and miss.

jeremyhornik's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This book is way too clever. Also, it's very, very gory. I strongly recommend it.

bluesapphirereads's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was I think one of the weirdest books I have ever read and honestly, I adored it. Confusing, sacrilegious, insane, weird, double talking, repetitive nonsense! I wanna read it again!

sticksnstout's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This was a funny book (if you like Monty Python type comedy). The second spirit is annoying, but loved the first one. A good twist on an classic tale.

catherine_reads22's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Weirdly great!

mayke's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

Fun alternative to the classic Dickens. Though the story got long and dreading sometimes.