Scan barcode
lieke_de_ridder's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Mental illness
theboldbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
In this delightful little book, Pollard weaves a sort of COVID Greek tragedy where each chapter tells a bit about a form of prophecy, such as Causimancy: Prophecy by Burning, and tells tidbits about it along with what's happening in our narrator's life.
This book is unique and I'm glad I picked it up. I read it in a few hours. I think the narrator was relatable as she went through many things and thought many things a lot of us did during the worst of COVID. I really liked the mix of Greek mythology, the different prophecies, and the narrator's own life. This is Pollard's first novel, but I hope she writes more!
This book is unique and I'm glad I picked it up. I read it in a few hours. I think the narrator was relatable as she went through many things and thought many things a lot of us did during the worst of COVID. I really liked the mix of Greek mythology, the different prophecies, and the narrator's own life. This is Pollard's first novel, but I hope she writes more!
eshalliday's review
2.0
Pollard’s language is astonishing; she has an almost alchemical way with words. They become slippery, her phrases so desirable that you imbibe her work like it's quenching a druth.
But this is an odd novel for me. As a Classicist: I feel so at home when the narrator is discussing Classics or putting into her own, quite Jenny-Offill-esque, words, excerpts from Classical texts; yet, I feel so uncomfortable when reading about the past two years of the still-unfolding Covid-19 pandemic.
I read contemporary fiction in order to switch off from the unpleasant parts of daily life, and take pleasure in escaping to the little universes that authors have created.
So, I chose 'Delphi', partly because of the staggeringly good cover, but primarily because I was drawn to the Classics element. However, after persevering for a good few chapters, I'm afraid I have to mark it as DNF. Maybe in who-knows-how-many-years, I would be able to revisit 'Delphi' again and enjoy Pollard's prose.
But right now, in our own pandemic misery, it's no escape or pleasure to me to read a fictional character's corresponding misery. I just can't bring myself to thole it all the way through.
Thank you to Penguin Random House UK. Regretfully, I did not finish the ARC generously provided through Netgalley.
But this is an odd novel for me. As a Classicist: I feel so at home when the narrator is discussing Classics or putting into her own, quite Jenny-Offill-esque, words, excerpts from Classical texts; yet, I feel so uncomfortable when reading about the past two years of the still-unfolding Covid-19 pandemic.
I read contemporary fiction in order to switch off from the unpleasant parts of daily life, and take pleasure in escaping to the little universes that authors have created.
So, I chose 'Delphi', partly because of the staggeringly good cover, but primarily because I was drawn to the Classics element. However, after persevering for a good few chapters, I'm afraid I have to mark it as DNF. Maybe in who-knows-how-many-years, I would be able to revisit 'Delphi' again and enjoy Pollard's prose.
But right now, in our own pandemic misery, it's no escape or pleasure to me to read a fictional character's corresponding misery. I just can't bring myself to thole it all the way through.
Thank you to Penguin Random House UK. Regretfully, I did not finish the ARC generously provided through Netgalley.
macchamberlain's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent! When all the compartmentalized pieces of ourselves come crumbling down in the face of a pandemic - we get this beautiful work. When there is no longer a separate space to hold intellectual, personal fulfillment, and familial pursuits other than your home - we get this book.
“Tragedy is all about Unity of Place”
I think it beautifully redesigns the Greek tragedy to tell a story out of quarantine. I just think the writing is excellent. I think all the juggling pieces we return to again and again as the narrator’s entire life collapses into one space is engaging and excellent.
Love love love
“Tragedy is all about Unity of Place”
I think it beautifully redesigns the Greek tragedy to tell a story out of quarantine. I just think the writing is excellent. I think all the juggling pieces we return to again and again as the narrator’s entire life collapses into one space is engaging and excellent.
Love love love
librarystax's review against another edition
3.0
In 20 years this will be an interesting way to look back on pandemic times. Right now maybe it was too close to be an enjoyable read. I like the format but the subject and main character are both hard to stomach at times
hannah850's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
martinoh's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75