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jormungad's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shrrawat's review against another edition
4.5
"The Glutton" is a reimagined version of the true story of Tarrare, an eighteenth century French showman known for his remarkable appetite. Known for eating anything from offal to objects, his most heinous meal was (possibly) that of young child.
What I liked most about this book was Blakemore's take on Tarrare's enormous hunger goes from the historical physical to the metaphorical. Tarrare's hunger is not simply an anomaly of biology; it is a symbol of his desire to belong, to find peace and acceptance in a world that treats him as expendable. There is a picaresque nature to the novel, as his appetite takes him all throughout France and beyond.
The only thing that kept me from giving this book a full five stars was because I did not get enough of Tarrare's interactions with Sister Perpetue, who administers to Tarrare on his deathbed. I enjoyed seeing their interactions, how Tarrare, a man much embroiled in the earthly and physical, challenges and also befriends the spiritual and sanctimonious nun. I wished we could have seen more of this character dynamic that was a major highlight of this book.
What I liked most about this book was Blakemore's take on Tarrare's enormous hunger goes from the historical physical to the metaphorical. Tarrare's hunger is not simply an anomaly of biology; it is a symbol of his desire to belong, to find peace and acceptance in a world that treats him as expendable. There is a picaresque nature to the novel, as his appetite takes him all throughout France and beyond.
The only thing that kept me from giving this book a full five stars was because I did not get enough of Tarrare's interactions with Sister Perpetue, who administers to Tarrare on his deathbed. I enjoyed seeing their interactions, how Tarrare, a man much embroiled in the earthly and physical, challenges and also befriends the spiritual and sanctimonious nun. I wished we could have seen more of this character dynamic that was a major highlight of this book.
wendyf's review
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.5
sasha_is_reading's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bessies_books's review
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
beths_books03's review
dark
sad
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
2.0