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_ash0_'s review
4.0
This novella was great actually. This is my first Connie Willis's story and it is about a broadway actress and some of the 'artificials' that are created by a robot scientist. This story had such an Asimov feel to it. It was kind of like the robot stories that Asimov writes. I loved it but the ending was something that I did not quite enjoy as it seemed unrealistic to me. Also the main protagonist was little mean and not very likeable. But the story as such was great and I am definitely going to read more from this author.
littletaiko's review
5.0
I really need to meet Connie Willis someday as she seems to be incorporating all the things I love into her books. This time it's a story that weaves old movies, especially All About Eve (one of the greatest movies of all time!) into a short novella about an artificial creature who loves the theater. Loved it!!!
branch_c's review
4.0
Hadn't read anything by Willis in a while, so I enjoyed this little taste of her clever writing. I'm not a big fan of short stories, and in fact this concept probably could have made a decent novel. But it was certainly stylish and neatly done, so I'll forgive the brevity.
nglofile's review
4.0
A great entry into light SF for anyone who appreciates iconic film and stage lore. The All About Eve references were deftly deployed, and just when the reader thinks s/he knows exactly where this is going, Willis inverts the story to offer a different delight.
Trademark lively wit and insight into personality are in play. Accessible and entertaining.
Trademark lively wit and insight into personality are in play. Accessible and entertaining.
mjfmjfmjf's review
5.0
I've not been real impressed by any of the last few Connie Willis books that I've read. Perhaps I should have been reading her shorter work. This novella is fantastic. And yet why would anyone (even the library) pay $45 for a novella - even with really nice black-and-white artwork? Don't think I agree with the premise of this story and I certainly didn't get the movie or play references. But somewhere in hear was something that described what it meant to be human and it was worth reading and thinking about.
lisalark's review
4.0
Connie Willis kills it again. I think the ratings are lower on this one for two reasons: 1) if you don't know musical theater and movies, a lot of this going to sail right over your head 2) the ending was a bit abrupt. Not like inconclusive abrupt, I was fine with where she left it plotwise, but it felt like a stuttered stop, which is rare for Willis.
Read it.
Dance ten, looks three. Get the bingo-bongos done . . .
Read it.
Dance ten, looks three. Get the bingo-bongos done . . .
libkatem's review
5.0
Willis has my number, my MO, my tastes....
I adored this book. Again. Rockettes? Old movies? (OH HAI THERE DESK SET), musicals.... ROBOTS?
This novel is short, sweet, and highlights what it means to be human.
I adored this book. Again. Rockettes? Old movies? (OH HAI THERE DESK SET), musicals.... ROBOTS?
This novel is short, sweet, and highlights what it means to be human.
1_and_owenly's review
4.0
Fun novelette. Lots of references to classic cinema and Broadway, but with an underlying SF heart that deals with such themes as those of free will, and the nature of humanity.
valhecka's review
5.0
Beautifully done snappy novella about the intersection of acting and AI. I loved it.