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ineffablebooks's review
1.0
When I read books like this with great reviews about its literary genius, I feel almost guilty that I didn't like it (see "The Old Man and the Sea" by Hemingway), but the truth and fact is, I just didn't.
I had to read this for a unit at uni, and while I can appreciate it for its post-modernism structure and unique writing style, I didn't much enjoy it.
It was drowning in similes and metaphors, to the point that it was annoying and the sentence would have been better off without three of them. The beginning of the book (or collection of short stories) is a little confusing with parts of the paragraph jumping to flashbacks that had nothing to do with the scene.
The book focuses on a bunch of different aspects from failed multiculturalism to drugs and violence, and is based in suburbs of Western Sydney, showing them in a more real and at times very dodgy light. However there were some parts of it that seemed over-dramatized, and were made to look a lot more down-trodden than they actually are. (Please note: this is not to say that there are not dodgy parts within any city, town or suburb, I'm just saying that not all towns in Western Sydney are bad)
The last quarter of the book (from West Suburbia Boys on wards) it got better, and I liked this part a lot more. A quote that stood out was:
"The tip of the Tower was blue as the burn of a birthday candle and nothing seemed amiss, and outside there was only calm and quiet. You could see the tail-light of a plane passing serenely over the night. It was hard to believe in that stillness and silence that the world was collapsing in a place far away." p.138
I had to read this for a unit at uni, and while I can appreciate it for its post-modernism structure and unique writing style, I didn't much enjoy it.
It was drowning in similes and metaphors, to the point that it was annoying and the sentence would have been better off without three of them. The beginning of the book (or collection of short stories) is a little confusing with parts of the paragraph jumping to flashbacks that had nothing to do with the scene.
The book focuses on a bunch of different aspects from failed multiculturalism to drugs and violence, and is based in suburbs of Western Sydney, showing them in a more real and at times very dodgy light. However there were some parts of it that seemed over-dramatized, and were made to look a lot more down-trodden than they actually are. (Please note: this is not to say that there are not dodgy parts within any city, town or suburb, I'm just saying that not all towns in Western Sydney are bad)
The last quarter of the book (from West Suburbia Boys on wards) it got better, and I liked this part a lot more. A quote that stood out was:
"The tip of the Tower was blue as the burn of a birthday candle and nothing seemed amiss, and outside there was only calm and quiet. You could see the tail-light of a plane passing serenely over the night. It was hard to believe in that stillness and silence that the world was collapsing in a place far away." p.138
deb_prosp's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Good stuff. The prose was scattered but focused at the same time, with the interior monologues being very true to life. Will definitely read again.
starness's review
3.0
A collection of observations of growing up in the seedy world of western Sydney. Growing up and working around this area, a lot of the places and situations felt familiar but it got abit tiresome as he encountered so many undesirable situations again and again, not many characters had any redeeming qualities that made you root for them, I like how it was written with wry humour I felt in the beginning the narrative had the style akin to Salinger but within a modern contemporary setting, this book has some great moments but the stories didn't flow and I found the second half fell abit flat.
angelajuniper's review
3.0
I chose this randomly for a reading challenge and, having finished about ten minutes ago, am feeling a little underwhelmed by the experience. Starting with 'Whitlam and the Whitlam Centre', I was intrigued by the ease of writing and tight use of the 'everyday' in painting pictures that struck a relatable chord. The stories weaved by Carman focus on a type of grey, accidental friendship that sticks in the mind even though there is no potential love lost. He presents common racist attitudes that are alarming in their accuracy, and his references to authors, titles, events and literary opinions will, no doubt, please and entertain those within or surrounding the writing industry. Or perhaps just those who love to read the classics.
However, by the penultimate 'Rare Birds', I was confused as to whether I was reading short fiction or an autobiography separated into small, appetizer-size chunks. Recurrent characters linked the stories, which was all well and good, but the storyteller in each is either clearly or accidentally Carman himself; I found it difficult to engage with the narrator who, several times, came across as beige in relation to the potential narrative.
'An Elegant Young Man' is a pleasant read but I am not sure I find it purchase-worthy.
However, by the penultimate 'Rare Birds', I was confused as to whether I was reading short fiction or an autobiography separated into small, appetizer-size chunks. Recurrent characters linked the stories, which was all well and good, but the storyteller in each is either clearly or accidentally Carman himself; I found it difficult to engage with the narrator who, several times, came across as beige in relation to the potential narrative.
'An Elegant Young Man' is a pleasant read but I am not sure I find it purchase-worthy.
jessieann's review
3.0
Had to read this for university and I will soon start my essay regarding this book. Some chapters for me dragged on longer than needed however some chapters ended too quick and I was left wondering what would happen after. This book was easy to read especially being someone who has grown up in the Liverpool area and been to various places listed as well as experienced a lot that the author has. Interesting read.
rachelmcchicken's review
1.0
I read this book for uni and the fact that I am studying a book doesn't affect my opinions towards it, just to get that out of the way.
In my opinion the book tried to be really unique, really cutting edge and really honest about the author's experience in Western Sydney however it just turned out (to me) to be a fumbling mess with no plot (which can sometimes work, but not in this case) and no characters that I cared for. It kind of felt like a modern The Catcher in the Rye, except just not good. I almost did not finish it.
In my opinion the book tried to be really unique, really cutting edge and really honest about the author's experience in Western Sydney however it just turned out (to me) to be a fumbling mess with no plot (which can sometimes work, but not in this case) and no characters that I cared for. It kind of felt like a modern The Catcher in the Rye, except just not good. I almost did not finish it.
wtb_michael's review
4.0
A brief, effective collection of vignettes about growing up in Western Sydney. Carman's stories are light on plot but heavy on atmosphere and sharp observation and here he presents a snapshot of life in the multi-cultural, messy and ugly streets of Liverpool and surrounds. It's short, sharp and effective - looking forward to what Carman comes up with next.
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