Reviews

Short Cuts: Selected Stories by Robert Altman, Raymond Carver

kamiconk16's review against another edition

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mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

deepfreezebatman's review against another edition

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4.0

I'm not really sure why I like Carver's stories.. I guess it's because they are unlike anything I have ever read before. They always leave you with a disturbed sense of mystery and loss, much like a Gregory Crewdson photograph. I don't know what it is about other people's problems that is so entertaining but I just couldn't put this book down.

My favorites are:
"Neighbors"- all time favorite
"Will You Be Quiet, Please?"
"Collectors"
"Tell the Women We're Going"

cady's review against another edition

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

3.5

summmerose's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

open_ears_now's review against another edition

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dark sad fast-paced

4.0

This collection consists of short stories that inspired the movie Short Cuts. I recommend reading the introduction - it’s written by Robert Altman, the director of the movie. 

If you’re a fan of Carver, you’ll realize there are many famous stories here - most of which I’ve read. 

Now after seeing the collection and knowing what’s in it - it makes me want to see the movie. 

bettyvd's review against another edition

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4.0

Ik hou van de zuinige stijl van Carver. Neem een of twee koppels in landelijk Amerika , beschrijf een korte episode in hun leven en roep verlies, woede, wanhoop, geweld op. Ik hield vooral van het laatste verhaal : Tell the women we're going. "But it started and ended with a rock". Perfect.

spiderfelt's review against another edition

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1.0

My hold expired before I was able to finish it, but I really didn't have the will to power through it while it was I my hands. The characters, situations, and cultural attitudes were both dated and distasteful. I couldn't find the charm or nostalgia that is sometimes present in books written decades ago. This just smelled like an dingy old motel.

bundy23's review against another edition

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5.0

It's a bit surprising that something so damned ordinary and minimalist can somehow be so brilliant. And it all felt so dirty... I swear I could smell the grime and stale sweat and dog piss whilst I was reading. It felt a bit like a Bukowski or maybe Jim Thompson but with all the backstabbing and crime removed. Not all the stories included here were 5 stars but those that were will probably stay with me forever.

mag_da's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.75

btj's review against another edition

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reading this and mary gaitskill in the past couple months makes me feel like a Great Expert In Studies of Heterosexuality.