Reviews

Onlookers: Stories by Ann Beattie

fransbooks's review

funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.25

beefmaster's review

4.0

It feels like Beattie is back, baby! This a collection of linked stories, but not in a showy or gimmicky way. Each story does stand on its own. Instead of the coolness, the disaffection of her most famous era, "Onlookers" is a bit more contemplative, much more interested in interiority. Each story is more of a character piece rather than an amusing or odd situation populated by odd characters such as her first six or so collections of stories. A couple stories could have been tightened a bit; the final story switches POV and doesn't quite earn the ending it thinks it does. However, hhe central piece, "Alice Ott," is hands down my favourite of the bunch. The kind of highwire act where you feel butterflies in your stomach as the story unfolds and the master's skills are displayed. Truly one of tht finest moments in her illustrious career. You may have forgotten why you read fiction; Beattie is back to remind you exactly why.

ellieswilliams's review

Needed to return to library

renaplays's review

3.0

2.5

dcmr's review

2.0

Like the title, I felt like an onlooker -- distant and emotionally removed -- while navigating these short stories.

I've been a devoted fan of Ann Beattie's work since the early 1990s so it with great disappointment when I say that navigating this latest collection is a lot of work. Each piece is so laden with characters and wandering asides that I lost track, and interest, with each slow-passing page.

bergamee's review

dark emotional 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? Yes

3.75

amh007's review

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? Yes

2.75

I found the writing and the characters pretty tedious.  Appreciated the interlocking of the stories.

marciag's review

emotional reflective sad 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

5.0

popelc6's review

reflective sad 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

2.25