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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
Definitely one of the most well rounded pieces of fiction I've read in a while. Trials and tribulations within the plot have a hint of humor, which appeals to my love of off center humor, and development of the characters, as portrayed through email, fax, and letters, draws the reader into their story, and makes your think, "I know that person". I don't know why I put this book down in October, maybe it was a trip, birthdays, or the holidays, because when I restarted a day ago, I did not want to stop.
I think, by far, this is weirdest- quirkiest book I have ever read.
Let me be honest, the cover is what drew me in, and rightly so since the entire book is about this unique character - Bernadette Fox. I think the fun thing about this book is that absolutely NONE of it makes any sense. This is the first Maria Semple book I've read, so I'm not sure if her other works compare in the same way, but I will say that her ability to craft such a weird story is remarkable.
I enjoyed the book enough to finish it, mostly because I really wanted to know what happens to Bernadette, but the last 50 pages I skimmed because it got boring. I loved Bernadette's thinking process, her lifestyle, the way she is. The gnats description was so spot on and the sign made me actually LOL. But she had some MAJOR flaws. Her emails with Manjula and her interactions with the girl at the pharmacy were racist and not at all funny. In fact, they completely contrasted her personality in my opinion. As someone who is Indian, I found myself rolling my eyes at her racist remarks.
Another thing that bothered me is the abrupt ending. It was way too simple for Bernadette and there was too much information and how she got to this place and why. Elgie was a certifiable mess compared to her. Also, it was really jolting to realize that Bee was the one narrating the book. This was one of those books I saw hyped up on bookstagram and was also tricked into reading by the beautiful cover art.
I guess, 3 stars because the mystery and intrigue of Bernadette Fox and her creative ways are mesmerizing. But also because ultimately the book falls flat and the ending disappoints. Unlike books such as "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" this book didn't really have a cathartic ending for our Bernadette. Interested to see if the movie is different.
Let me be honest, the cover is what drew me in, and rightly so since the entire book is about this unique character - Bernadette Fox. I think the fun thing about this book is that absolutely NONE of it makes any sense. This is the first Maria Semple book I've read, so I'm not sure if her other works compare in the same way, but I will say that her ability to craft such a weird story is remarkable.
I enjoyed the book enough to finish it, mostly because I really wanted to know what happens to Bernadette, but the last 50 pages I skimmed because it got boring. I loved Bernadette's thinking process, her lifestyle, the way she is. The gnats description was so spot on and the sign made me actually LOL. But she had some MAJOR flaws. Her emails with Manjula and her interactions with the girl at the pharmacy were racist and not at all funny. In fact, they completely contrasted her personality in my opinion. As someone who is Indian, I found myself rolling my eyes at her racist remarks.
Another thing that bothered me is the abrupt ending. It was way too simple for Bernadette and there was too much information and how she got to this place and why. Elgie was a certifiable mess compared to her. Also, it was really jolting to realize that Bee was the one narrating the book. This was one of those books I saw hyped up on bookstagram and was also tricked into reading by the beautiful cover art.
I guess, 3 stars because the mystery and intrigue of Bernadette Fox and her creative ways are mesmerizing. But also because ultimately the book falls flat and the ending disappoints. Unlike books such as "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" this book didn't really have a cathartic ending for our Bernadette. Interested to see if the movie is different.
not my typical kind of book but pretty entertaining
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really liked the writing style but the ending felt dissatisfying and overall I thought that the plot was not that strong.
Where'd You Go, Bernadette is a quirky and hilarious read. It started slow, and at first, I thought I wasn't going to be interested in the style of the story being set mostly through various emails from different characters. Once I got more immersed in the story, I couldn't help but want to know how Bernadette's story was going to pan out in the end. Towards the ending, however, I couldn't help but feel agitated with a few characters, but to keep this review free of spoilers, I won't name why.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
A fun romp. The plot definitely prioritises forward movement over logic but, personally, I was happy to accept that and strap in. Plus there are real feelings to be felt and I enjoy a good epistolary novel. If anything Simple should have leaned into the format and discarded the unwieldy and unlikely framing device.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
הספר שרוצה להיות סדרה קומית עם דמויות קוורקיות, אבל כאלה שלא מצליחות להיות לגמרי אמינות או מעוררות הזדהות. דברים נשארים שטחיים - מין תחושת "טוב, רק שייגמר שנדע מה קרה בסוף".
קשה לקרוא לזה סאטירה - כי לסאטירה טובה חייב להיות לפחות קול אחד שמבין את האבסורד, שמחזיק מראה מול השיגעון. וכאן, ברובו המוחלט של הספר לא הייתה תחושת מודעות כזו (משתפר מעט באמצע ובסוף אבל לא מספיק להושיע) . הדמויות צויירו בגסות ובצורה סטריאוטיפיות ויש הרבה חורים בעלילה.
הדמות של הילדה אמינה, אבל זה רק גרם לי להצטער על כל הדברים שהוריה מעוללים לה.
ברקע יש רמזים לנושאים עמוקים יותר כמו חיפוש משמעות, חרדה, התמודדות עם אבל והתמכרות – אבל זה נשאר ברמת הרמז. ללא עיבוד רגשי.
בסוף, זו תחושת ביס מסופגניה ריקה: לא נורא, אבל גם לא משביע.
קשה לקרוא לזה סאטירה - כי לסאטירה טובה חייב להיות לפחות קול אחד שמבין את האבסורד, שמחזיק מראה מול השיגעון. וכאן, ברובו המוחלט של הספר לא הייתה תחושת מודעות כזו (משתפר מעט באמצע ובסוף אבל לא מספיק להושיע) . הדמויות צויירו בגסות ובצורה סטריאוטיפיות ויש הרבה חורים בעלילה.
הדמות של הילדה אמינה, אבל זה רק גרם לי להצטער על כל הדברים שהוריה מעוללים לה.
ברקע יש רמזים לנושאים עמוקים יותר כמו חיפוש משמעות, חרדה, התמודדות עם אבל והתמכרות – אבל זה נשאר ברמת הרמז. ללא עיבוד רגשי.
בסוף, זו תחושת ביס מסופגניה ריקה: לא נורא, אבל גם לא משביע.