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2.77 AVERAGE
2.77 AVERAGE
Surprisingly, I liked this book much better than [b:The Elegance of the Hedgehog|2967752|The Elegance of the Hedgehog|Muriel Barbery|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347755370l/2967752._SY75_.jpg|1531887] or [b:A Single Rose|59324952|A Single Rose|Muriel Barbery|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1633979669l/59324952._SY75_.jpg|93475055]. What felt like unnecessary pseudophilosophical masturbation in the former and shallow orientalism in the latter worked here perfectly. The Life of Elves is a beautiful wholesome fairytale with a simple story about two worlds and two girls whose role is to help (re?)connect them. Description of interwar pastoral life and nature is of course simplistic and romanticizes but it is really cozy with its whole variety of flowers, food, etc. I loved the role of music in the story, although I, again, can disagree with the philosophical ideas behind it.
Fantasy with noble peasants
After reading her previous novels, this was a departure from her previous style and very different in use of language and characters. At times it is almost dreamlike, and curiously the most effective writing was about their food. The premise of a war between an elven faction and the world of humans was interesting, but left largely unexplained, which I found left me wondering why and what this was about. I think it may suffer from translation,but perhaps the sequel will explain the mysteries.
After reading her previous novels, this was a departure from her previous style and very different in use of language and characters. At times it is almost dreamlike, and curiously the most effective writing was about their food. The premise of a war between an elven faction and the world of humans was interesting, but left largely unexplained, which I found left me wondering why and what this was about. I think it may suffer from translation,but perhaps the sequel will explain the mysteries.
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Lyrical prose does not make good writing, and it certainly does not make a good story. I finished this book, but I'll definitely not be reading any sequels.
I tried to write a proper review for "The Life of Elves" but it seems that I can't, at least for the moment. While I understand the mixed reviews that this novel has received (it was confusing at times (the character list is VERY important) and it can come off a bit "preachy" for lack of a better word) I feel like it is extremely important for me to say that this novel changed me greatly for the better. So really I guess this review is more of a thank you to Muriel Barbery for giving me this gift of a story that I will definitely never forget. It is a insight into people, humanity, and nature that I very much needed at this point in my life. I only have one piece of advice: read this book slowly, absorb the beauty of each paragraph because I don't believe you will regret it if you do.
I forced myself half way through it... And finally gave up. Too boring for my taste. There is literally nothing happening pages after pages. Everything is described in a forced way to fill blank spaces in a short story. I guess you can sum up the story in one chapter - the rest is dispensable futile telling.