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writingtheintangibles's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Though the novel tackles very tough topics (internal and external conflicts), it does so in a straightforward way that makes for an interesting read
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and War
12dejamoo's review against another edition
reflective
slow-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? Yes
4.0
I think I preferred this to Miss Iceland but not by tons. It kind of goes in with this depressing premise and slowly works up to something more joyful. It's not in any way sensational so it feels comfortable and pleasantly small
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and War
Moderate: Death
Minor: Death of parent
scruffie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Death, Grief, and War
Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit, Animal death, Infidelity, and Rape
aditi_agarwal's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
3.25
An easy read about a man battling depression and suicidal thoughts finding a purpose in life that makes him want to live.
I found it to be a good and simple read, just a tad bit unexciting and monotonous. There were a few emotional moments in between, especially when talking about the war, and the novel almost perfectly communicated the gradual transcendence of joylessness and hopelessness to purposefulness, however, despite that there were points when it fell completely flat.
I read the English translation of the book, and the purpose of the intermittent quotes seemed to have almost definitely been lost in translation. I also personally feel a lot of the moments would have probably been more impactful in the original Icelandic than in English.
I found it to be a good and simple read, just a tad bit unexciting and monotonous. There were a few emotional moments in between, especially when talking about the war, and the novel almost perfectly communicated the gradual transcendence of joylessness and hopelessness to purposefulness, however, despite that there were points when it fell completely flat.
I read the English translation of the book, and the purpose of the intermittent quotes seemed to have almost definitely been lost in translation. I also personally feel a lot of the moments would have probably been more impactful in the original Icelandic than in English.
Graphic: Self harm, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, and War
markreadspages's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It’s quite short, which in many ways added to the charm. I thought the characters were well fleshed out for such a short book and developed nicely throughout. I would love to know how things progressed after the end of the book, but there’s also something nice about leaving it open to the imagination
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and War
Moderate: Suicide, Violence, and Death
Minor: Blood
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