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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
I find it very difficult to rate and review this book. On the one hand the story is great and the writing style is FANTASTIC. On the other hand all of the characters are depressing and Miren in particular is poisoned by envy and bitterness; it was truly upsetting to read about her verbally and emotionally abusing her family and friends.
So, a great book but also very difficult. Proceed with caution.
So, a great book but also very difficult. Proceed with caution.
Tengo que componerme de ese final para hacer una reseña decente. Mientras sólo diré que ha sido una lectura espectacular.
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As an insight into the impacts of ETA's activities on a Basque community, this book is amazing.
However, I couldn't get over my hatred for the two main characters, Miren and Bittori. They are both such utterly hateful pieces of shit, who are needlessly nasty to everyone around them, that it was difficult to empathise with either. What's more, the only discernible difference between the two is that one is a supporter of ETA, while the other is a victim. Beyond that they are essentially the same character, and neither develops much throughout. Perhaps this was intentional, but to me it feels like poor characterisation.
Another thing that stands out is the very peculiar narrative style that constantly switches between past/present tense and first/third person. I couldn't help thinking, 'is this just a bad translation or is it meant to be like this?'
My irritations with the writing notwithstanding, after reading this book I do feel like I am that bit more conscious of one small part of the (recent) history that makes up the complexity of modern Spain, and I would highly recommend it just for that.
However, I couldn't get over my hatred for the two main characters, Miren and Bittori. They are both such utterly hateful pieces of shit, who are needlessly nasty to everyone around them, that it was difficult to empathise with either. What's more, the only discernible difference between the two is that one is a supporter of ETA, while the other is a victim. Beyond that they are essentially the same character, and neither develops much throughout. Perhaps this was intentional, but to me it feels like poor characterisation.
Another thing that stands out is the very peculiar narrative style that constantly switches between past/present tense and first/third person. I couldn't help thinking, 'is this just a bad translation or is it meant to be like this?'
My irritations with the writing notwithstanding, after reading this book I do feel like I am that bit more conscious of one small part of the (recent) history that makes up the complexity of modern Spain, and I would highly recommend it just for that.
“A mí me mataron hace mucho tiempo. Desde entonces no he sido más que un fantasma. Como mucho, media persona. Y eso porque algo le tiene que quedar a una donde sentir el daño que le han hecho y porque, además, con dos hijos, uno aguanta de pie como sea.” Bittori
Este libro es una joya. El autor muestra cómo la violencia perpetrada por la ETA destruyó a dos familias vascas y la amistad entre éstas. A través de Bittori, Xavier, y Nerea, podemos ver y sentir el dolor causado a las víctimas del terrorismo. El libro reflexiona sobre el perdón y lo liberador que es. Pero qué difícil sería perdonar en una situación como esa.
El libro me hizo reír y llorar. Bittori, Txato, y Arantxa fueron mis personajes favoritos. Traté de tener simpatía por Miren pero no pude, me daba coraje su forma de actuar/pensar/justificar.
Este libro es una joya. El autor muestra cómo la violencia perpetrada por la ETA destruyó a dos familias vascas y la amistad entre éstas. A través de Bittori, Xavier, y Nerea, podemos ver y sentir el dolor causado a las víctimas del terrorismo. El libro reflexiona sobre el perdón y lo liberador que es. Pero qué difícil sería perdonar en una situación como esa.
El libro me hizo reír y llorar. Bittori, Txato, y Arantxa fueron mis personajes favoritos. Traté de tener simpatía por Miren pero no pude, me daba coraje su forma de actuar/pensar/justificar.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I received this book as an ARC from Pantheon Books.
The "nearly unbearable suspense" alluded to on the back cover of this ARC must be simply a fabrication. I read this whole book, belaboredly, and experienced no suspense at all. And how could I, when the whole story was laid out on the back cover, and nothing else of interest was detailed in the book? The characters are rarely likeable, and their stories are mostly uninteresting. Furthermore, it was difficult to distinguish between them in dialogue because of the author's confusing writing style. I was often unsure which character was speaking, what the setting was, what they were doing, and when the scene ended and another began. I can appreciate unusual writing styles, but this one just confused me and made it difficult to follow the action. I could barely get through this book for lack of interest and clarity.
The "nearly unbearable suspense" alluded to on the back cover of this ARC must be simply a fabrication. I read this whole book, belaboredly, and experienced no suspense at all. And how could I, when the whole story was laid out on the back cover, and nothing else of interest was detailed in the book? The characters are rarely likeable, and their stories are mostly uninteresting. Furthermore, it was difficult to distinguish between them in dialogue because of the author's confusing writing style. I was often unsure which character was speaking, what the setting was, what they were doing, and when the scene ended and another began. I can appreciate unusual writing styles, but this one just confused me and made it difficult to follow the action. I could barely get through this book for lack of interest and clarity.