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hannahwdel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mawalker1962's review against another edition
3.0
I first read this in college, and a dear friend gave me to collection for Christmas prompting a re-read. "Raise High" stands the test of time, a carefully crafted, enigmatic, and thought-provoking read. "Seymour" did not capture my imagination this time around. It seemed obscure and overdone and I struggled to find the narrative arc. I don't remember how well I liked it 35 years ago.
lilyphilia11's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
manda2491's review against another edition
4.0
This collection of novellas is a fascinating departure from what we've come to expect from Salinger's writing. In 'Raise High,' Buddy self-consciously describes his adventure in a cab with the wrong wedding party after his brother, Seymour, doesn't show up to marry his bride. The tale is full of confusion, loneliness, and second-hand information, with a peculiar Zen-like older gentleman smiling amidst the chaos.
In Seymour: An Introduction, we see Buddy trying to describe Seymour post-death in a rambling, complicated narrative as much about poetry and writing in itself as about Buddy's deceased brother. In this story, we begin to see how fantastical the elusive Seymour is to Buddy while finally realizing that we ought to distrust Buddy as a reliable storyteller.
In Seymour: An Introduction, we see Buddy trying to describe Seymour post-death in a rambling, complicated narrative as much about poetry and writing in itself as about Buddy's deceased brother. In this story, we begin to see how fantastical the elusive Seymour is to Buddy while finally realizing that we ought to distrust Buddy as a reliable storyteller.
kristensushi's review against another edition
5.0
Seymour, an Introduction was a bit of a drag, but overall I continue to adore Salinger’s style and insight into humanity.
worm_blizzard's review against another edition
3.0
Raise High the roof beams on its own gets 4 or even 5 stars from me. I have long been a fan of the glass family stories and raise High might be my favorite.
Seymour an introduction unfortunately brings this book down. There are some good things about it but ultimately I find it dull. Could easily put you to sleep on a Sunday afternoon
Seymour an introduction unfortunately brings this book down. There are some good things about it but ultimately I find it dull. Could easily put you to sleep on a Sunday afternoon