Reviews

The Decameron Project: 29 New Stories from the Pandemic by The New York Times

spaceykate's review

5.0

I really really enjoyed this collection of short stories. I thought the differing formats with the central theme tied to the original Decameron were right on target. Checked this book out just before I came down with COVID for the first time (after escaping it for two years... sigh) and finished as I started finally coming around the bend in regards to symptoms. My favorites were: the introduction by Rivka Galchen, "Recognition", "Impatient Griselda", and "One Thing" (which made me tear up).

georgegracegibson's review

2.0

Fantastic concept, brilliant design work, but a pretty mixed bag of writing.

2.5

katha_mrtn's review

emotional funny hopeful informative fast-paced

4.25

I am not much of a short story reader but I really enjoyed this :) 

asunnybooknook's review

4.0

that awkward moment when you’re still in a pandemic two years later

jen's review

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

1.0

I didn't really enjoy this book, the stories felt flat and rushed mostly.I knew I wasn't going to love it, I didn't especially want to read literature about the pandemic especially in this format. There were however a few stories in here that I did appreciate. 

pattyterhune's review

fast-paced

5.0

sean67's review

3.0

A collection of short stories, which were quite short, some were ok, some less than interesting, nothing that really stood out though, it was really an average collection, but I guess when writing a blurb an average collection sounds less enticing than a stunning collection.
But it is more honest.

showyourshelf's review

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

gottbergmn's review against another edition

4.0

Did this as a Libro.fm audiobook and really enjoyed the variety of authors and forms. As a snapshot of life in the time of CoVid-19, these were insightful, funny, and engaging. For those who are in the mood for short stories, this resonates with our time.

user226's review

dark emotional funny inspiring sad tense slow-paced

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

3.25

An interesting snapshot of a variety of human responses to the pandemic, diverse in culture and location.