Reviews

The Fresco by Sheri S. Tepper

tracyrose10's review against another edition

3.0

Two aliens come to earth to try to get them to join the community of other intelligent species. Benita is chosen as the go-between. Lots of weird stuff starts happening on Earth because of the aliens. Then predators try to make a deal with another part of the government to hunt humans.
I know that was very scatter brained...it was an interesting read!

acewho's review

5.0

-fiction. contemporary Sherri S. Tepper, based on this world. Awesome story about people’s purpose in life.

gs_227's review against another edition

adventurous informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

yarrowkat's review

3.0

I apparently read this once already but forgot it entirely, no doubt because it is unfortunately forgettable. Tepper is always didactic and heavy-handed, but she's also usually brilliant and vivid. Alas, not so here. This book managed to assume the reader is an idiot, and it takes heavy-handed to a whole new level. I agree with all of the politics and ideology in here, but whew, I like some subtlety and intelligence in my ecofeminist dominance fantasy, thanks. I like Benita, the main character, quite a bit, and that has made it possible for me to finish, but I am sorely disappointed by this one. I remain a fan of Tepper's work, but will be trading this one back in at the bookstore sooner than later.

friendofgosig's review

adventurous funny reflective medium-paced

3.75

This was a ‘wild card’ recommendation from a friend, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but I enjoyed it. It was refreshing to read something different from my usual more historical / fantasy reads, and there were parts that I thought were very funny and clever.

My main criticism is that I couldn’t work out how seriously I should take it. Some parts of it are clearly satire, but others edge more towards a serious social commentary, which kind of threw me. I felt there was to much detail in some areas, and not enough in others.

I felt the liberal white American feminist perspective a little narrow, but it was interesting how little has changed in relation to some of the issues for correction, and some of the points of criticism were still very relevant today.

frederica49's review against another edition

adventurous challenging funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Delightful book. Tepper never disappoints. Very appropriate for America in 2023.

elzabetg's review

4.0

I can always depend on Sheri Tepper to write a book that grabs me and keeps me. This one is subtly funny and very intelligent. Although she addresses some politically "hot" subjects in ways that I disagree with, her handling of the subject is rather clever. Considering I haven't been able to read much lately without becoming personally annoyed with the author or by the characters, I was very pleasantly surprised to like the protagonist and appreciate the story.

fluffernutter's review

I couldn't sustain interest in the Fresco storyline.

valdiebalt's review

2.0

So unsure about my thoughts about this book, rating may change... But I feel like the central theme was messy and the climax of the story was EXTREMELY UNDERWHELMING... also they left like all the loose ends of the story until the last 20 pages left so...

(huge spoiler)
ALSO... ITS NOT A GOOD TWIST IF YOU WERE SETTING UP A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHARACTERS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE BOOK AND THEN AS A TWIST U GET HER WITH A ALIEN????? I MEAN IT WAS CUTE BUT... BUT NOT A GOOD TWIST..
agony i wanted them to get together so bad (my review is bias)

git_r_read's review

4.0

This meandered quite a bit but I liked it. It's told via several viewpoints and voices and I had to keep them straight to completely enjoy the story. I do like the main character, Benita. She had a tough life but she dragged herself up by the bootstraps and taught herself well. She has street smarts and learns on her feet, completely observant when it comes to the aliens who have arrived on her doorstep bent on helping Earth, but not as much when it comes to her family choices.
There are plenty of agendas, both with the humans and the aliens. Some good, most not so much. Plenty of wheelin' and dealin', religious overtones, right wing against left. Want to smack some folks, hug others.
A good story and I have plenty more Sheri S. Tepper on Mt Git'r'Read.
I can recommend this author and book.