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sophie42's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-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
2.5
Gordon is one of the most frustrating people I’ve ever read about. He is simultaneously aware that all his problems are caused by a lack of money and frustrated that he can’t do the things he wants to do, while also stubbornly refusing to do anything about it. And I understand WHY he’s refusing to do anything about it (his principles etc) however you’d think he’d accept his lot in life and his borderline poverty since it’s within his power to change it! The fact he is constantly complaining and yet refusing to fix it makes him so incredibly irritating i can’t imagine how rosemary and revelston put up with it.
I do appreciate that Gordon’s perspective is a critique on capitalism, and he does outline his reasons for acting the way he does, however his inner monologue always brings it back to money and not the structure of society, and when he could so easily have a bit more money, and be a lot happier, I find it hard to sympathise! He is also incredibly selfish and doesn’t think from anyone’s perspective but his own. When he sent the letter to Doring I should’ve put the book down then and there. Gordon’s meandering little life employs the same writing style of Orwell’s that I have enjoyed in the past, however Gordon’s entire personality made this one incredibly difficult to get through.
I do appreciate that Gordon’s perspective is a critique on capitalism, and he does outline his reasons for acting the way he does, however his inner monologue always brings it back to money and not the structure of society, and when he could so easily have a bit more money, and be a lot happier, I find it hard to sympathise! He is also incredibly selfish and doesn’t think from anyone’s perspective but his own. When he sent the letter to Doring I should’ve put the book down then and there. Gordon’s meandering little life employs the same writing style of Orwell’s that I have enjoyed in the past, however Gordon’s entire personality made this one incredibly difficult to get through.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Classism, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Vomit, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying and Death of parent
Gordon does not take No for an answer and entirely pushes the boundaries of consent. This was difficult and frustrating to read, although it was written decades ago when standards for consent were different. Gordon thinks everyone is out to get him, and takes rosemary’s ‘No’s as a personal attack, and pressures her quite graphically on multiple occasions.ac_rva's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Classism, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Abortion, Sexism, and Gaslighting
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