Reviews

Black Swan Green by David Mitchell

Only show reviews with written explanations

gskmaple25's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Can't understand why more people haven't read this!!! Fantastic read!

mrs_bonaventure's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This was stunning. Vivid, immediate, real, and intricate too with small short stories and character sketches that took my breath away here and there, they were so perfectly caught. And maybe because I was about the same age in the Eighties, so much of it resonated, from the parents' way of being in the world to the food to the music (nostalgia!). It's immersive and insightful at the same time. Amazing.

mrswhite's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I've heard this called a British Catcher in the Rye, and although the protagonist isn't nearly as depressed or angst-ridden, the comparison is apt. It's a beautiful, poignant character sketch of a fictional boy who I wished were real so I could be his friend. I loved it.

edkohen's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

The book started off strong. About half way through, it stopped reading like a novel and felt like a collection of vignettes.

lynnenad's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Very much a straightforward coming of age story full of school bullies, a first kiss, family drama. Some of Mitchell’s turns of phrase are delightful and these make the book worth reading. Otherwise an easy read with nothing really remarkable about it.