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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
I feel like my main issue with this book is that it’s very different to what it was marketed as- it is far from whimsical and absurd. I felt like becuase these elements were so underdone, readers are kept at arms length. I was never able to properly lose myself in this one.
It seems to have an inorganic ‘stream of consciousness’ approach that seems like content filler, when the actual marketed relationship with a printer that’s gained consciousness isn’t even cooking on the back burner. With such a fascinating premise, it makes this a laborious read, which under different descriptions and a bit more editing , could actually be enjoyable. The main character, to me, remains rather rigid, plain, untextured and blank by the end of the novel
It seems to have an inorganic ‘stream of consciousness’ approach that seems like content filler, when the actual marketed relationship with a printer that’s gained consciousness isn’t even cooking on the back burner. With such a fascinating premise, it makes this a laborious read, which under different descriptions and a bit more editing , could actually be enjoyable. The main character, to me, remains rather rigid, plain, untextured and blank by the end of the novel
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Quiet, quirky, and oddly heartwarming. This was a weird and surprisingly tender book about a woman and her printer. If you’ve ever bought something second-hand just because you felt sorry for it…you might be the target audience for this book 😳😅
Energy: Observant. Blunt. Resigned.
🐩 Tail Wags: The absurdist charm and tangents. The affectionate and surreal moments. That the printer-human bond stays platonic. A fascinatingly odd main character (she’s a little morbid, strangely intuitive, possibly neurodivergent-coded). Her inner monologue and existential thought spirals. Cozy workplace slice-of-life melancholy.
Scene: 🇳🇱 Quaint transit town, Netherlands
Perspectives (2): An unnamed main character working as a temporary office assistant who develops an attachment to their printer, and a…colleague…from the same office.
Timeline: Linear (2010s or 2020s).
Narrative: Tagging along, listening to characters talk to us, deep in their minds (first person occasionally slipping into second person).
Fuel: Thoughts, ponderings, observations. Why does the boss want to meet with our MC? Where is the package that was delivered to the incorrect office? What is it? What will happen to our MC? To the printer?
Cred: Speculative realism
Mood Reading Match-Up:
Printer. Delivery notice. Oscillating fan. Emails. Tourists. Rubbish van. Admin. Marketing.
- Dreamy, detailed, immersive, philosophical writing style
- Adorable, eccentric, likeable, spiraling characters
- Workplace ennui + sentient object
- Stream of consciousness slow burn
- Nothing really happens, fever dream tangents
- Low stake, emotionally rich vibes > plot
- Randomness, slice-of-life vignettes, go with the flow absurdism
- Subtle social commentary about connection and self-acceptance
- Nuggets of insight about purpose, connection, and humanity
- Unconventional relationships, second chances
Content Heads-Up: Allergic reaction. Anxiety (workplace). Bullying (childhood). Fire (arson; recall). Loss of job (downsizing). Violence against women (discussion, topic).
Rep: Dutch. Allergy (exertion).
📚 Format: Audible
My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Fire/Fire injury
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
I just really loved this one. The writing felt so natural and you could really get inside this woman’s head. I found it funny, natural, and moving all while doing so effortlessly
I often thought "what am I reading?" while listening to this audiobook. It was silly, weird, and touched well on social anxiety. Weird book, but I did enjoy.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was pretty pointless but also fine.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Listen I know some people didn’t like this but I found it so charming, quirky, and hella relatable (well, not the falling in love with a printer part but, y’know, who knows?).
It was a short read that didn’t have a lot of action but the panic attacks, depression, and social anxiety were so relatable I still loved it.
Honestly it has a lot of the things that made me love Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. So if you liked that, maybe give this a try…with an open mind!
It was a short read that didn’t have a lot of action but the panic attacks, depression, and social anxiety were so relatable I still loved it.
Honestly it has a lot of the things that made me love Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. So if you liked that, maybe give this a try…with an open mind!