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megamog's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm honestly shocked by how low the average star rating was for this book after reading it. Yes, it's not the Curious Incident, but you can definitely find echoes in the portrayal of Benjy, a character I honestly deeply related to.
I also don't usually gel well with stream of consciousness, or constantly changing perspectives. But I found that each of the eight character had such distinct vocabularies, idiosyncrasies, and concerns that I could usually tell whose perspective I was reading based on the first sentence alone. I was completely fascinated by the family dynamic, and I was on tenterhooks waiting for the whole situation to implode. They're all so desperate to relate to each other, and find peace, and yet they largely fail to.
I also don't usually gel well with stream of consciousness, or constantly changing perspectives. But I found that each of the eight character had such distinct vocabularies, idiosyncrasies, and concerns that I could usually tell whose perspective I was reading based on the first sentence alone. I was completely fascinated by the family dynamic, and I was on tenterhooks waiting for the whole situation to implode. They're all so desperate to relate to each other, and find peace, and yet they largely fail to.
bayburay's review against another edition
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
wrycounsel's review against another edition
3.0
Diverting. Rather like a cruder To The Lighthouse and a little bit sour.
be11aloca's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
therefore_i_em's review against another edition
3.5
mark's writing is delicious and this is just my type of book: with nasty unlikable characters; i was really rooting for daisy and melissa from the very start (is this a spoiler?) i was honestly disappointed; if it had been gayer i would've liked it better i guess
lisanneheerschap's review against another edition
reflective
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
1.75
lisawhelpley's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
michelehoward's review against another edition
1.0
Very confusing, and felt there was no consistency. Still not sure what the real story was.
seanantrob's review against another edition
4.0
Once I'd got used to the style, tone and pace I thoroughly enjoyed this. I was worried at first that I wouldn't care about the characters - but I did. More poetic than his earlier books and with more depth. Enjoyed the hints at strangeness. Worth reading.