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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
funny
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
Boring prose and clunky writing. I felt like I was reading the first draft. It is far too long for the content it contains which is so tragic because the concept seemed so strong. Nutting's writing style is elaborate and extremely descriptive, but it doesn't always land. For the most part I was wondering: Why should I care?
The Jasper/dolphin plotline felt wayyyy to drawn out. Was it meant to be funny? If so, it failed spectacularly.
Overall, my takeaway is why? This could've been such a good narrative about the topic of narcissistic abuse and the struggles of divorce - especially when you lack a strong support system. But instead I read a shoddily thrown together word salad of sex dolls, bestiality, and dolphins.
The Jasper/dolphin plotline felt wayyyy to drawn out. Was it meant to be funny? If so, it failed spectacularly.
Overall, my takeaway is why? This could've been such a good narrative about the topic of narcissistic abuse and the struggles of divorce - especially when you lack a strong support system. But instead I read a shoddily thrown together word salad of sex dolls, bestiality, and dolphins.
Alissa Nutting is 2 for 2 with this second novel! I absolutely loved it; it's as weird and beautifully written as Tampa. <3
I returned this to the library before I even got a 1/4 way through - I couldn't get into it.
Reading a book that one knows is meant to be funny, but doesn't make one laugh is unpleasant. The last 1/3 of the book introduced some secondary characters that finally made the protagonists a little more bearable, but this was horrific at trying to make me laugh and laughable at trying to frighten me with technological nightmares. I don't recommend it.
dark
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Weird little rollercoaster of a book, didn't know what to expect next most of the time lol. Went in blind and was not disappointed. Clever subtle take on social issues too.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt
This novel is a whole mixed bag. On one hand, a vast majority of the negative reviews I have been reading are from people who just didn't get it. Reading through the negative reviews, I was immediately defensive of the book.. of course the book is "ridiculous" and yes, of course you are supposed to 'hate' the dolphin sub-plot. This just might not be your type of Fiction.. and that's fine. Do not pick up this book expecting for it to make sense in terms of something you could plausibly see happening. It is absurd on purpose. And like, Tampa, just because you are reading about a taboo subject does not mean you are complicit. This author's novels take an open mind.
On the other hand, I still kinda hated it. I really liked what Nutting was going for here with Hazel grappling with finding identity and relationships within a future completely run by technology.. but I really just hated everyone except Jasper... and of course, Jasper is probably the most despicable character. I really enjoyed Tampa, so I was thrilled to finally get my hands on this one, but I couldn't get myself to care about Hazel and I fell asleep reading during the last 5% of the book (which is ultimately where all the goods lay).
I'll definitely read Nutting's next book. While this one was a miss for me, I really enjoy reading her because they are not like anything else out there.
On the other hand, I still kinda hated it. I really liked what Nutting was going for here with Hazel grappling with finding identity and relationships within a future completely run by technology.. but I really just hated everyone except Jasper... and of course, Jasper is probably the most despicable character. I really enjoyed Tampa, so I was thrilled to finally get my hands on this one, but I couldn't get myself to care about Hazel and I fell asleep reading during the last 5% of the book (which is ultimately where all the goods lay).
I'll definitely read Nutting's next book. While this one was a miss for me, I really enjoy reading her because they are not like anything else out there.
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was so unhinged I really liked it. It was really unique and that counts for a lot in my eyes. The dolphin story line was like...insane but not a deal-breaker for me lol. Just a really weird, funny and enjoyable book
Probably not the best book for me to read right now, but I pushed my way through it. The dolphin storyline was stupid and took a lot away from the main storyline. I liked the book at the beginning and could not wait to find out how things end for Hazel. Somewhere in the middle however I stopped caring. The end was okay but I would not recommend.