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nglofile's review
2.0
A strange little book, and I've no doubt that was the intention. It isn't truly for children -- not only because of the instances of coarse language, but also because the storytelling beats simply don't work for a younger audience. We can acknowledge that European sensibilities of age-appropriateness differ from those in the U.S., but that doesn't answer all issues. Some of the sad or frightening moments have parallels to stories as popular as Toy Story 3; the differences, however, are in what surrounds and balances those instances.
If approached as something of an adult fable, it is moderately successful. The author's style is evident, and it is nearly a given that some of the choices were made to be mildly provocative. Most intriguing is the element of word-stealing, and I can't help but wish this had comprised more of the narrative. This is a book better shelved with Ferrante's other works, allowing for discovery and adding texture for those intrigued by the author's oeuvre.
If approached as something of an adult fable, it is moderately successful. The author's style is evident, and it is nearly a given that some of the choices were made to be mildly provocative. Most intriguing is the element of word-stealing, and I can't help but wish this had comprised more of the narrative. This is a book better shelved with Ferrante's other works, allowing for discovery and adding texture for those intrigued by the author's oeuvre.
rafaella's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
mandapandaca's review
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
furs's review
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
maxoliveira's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
meganmalloy's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
seaswift14's review
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75