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scheettm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Tales of Chinese Slums-
What is even happening,
I am just too dumb.
What is even happening,
I am just too dumb.
Content Warnings
Highly experimental, not a pick-up and read for fun kind of book.
maryannelise's review against another edition
5.0
9/13 International Booker Prize Longlist 2021 Reading Challenge
effinalice's review against another edition
A collection of 13 short stories focusing on myriad unnamed Chinese characters from both rural and urban backgrounds whose bodies are embodying some form of statelessness The characters in her stories seek belonging, inclusion and survival.
The narratives themselves have an elusive feeling to them often blurring the boundaries of time and space.
Although I personally enjoyed most of the collection, I have to say right off the bat this collection of short stories will not be for everyone. Can Xue is an experimental writer. She plays with form, writing style and adds a touch of magical realism to the text. For readers who prefer structured narratives this collection could feel jarring and messy.
charlottesometimes's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
njw13's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
bookwormellie's review
Completely nonsensical - couldn’t understand what the author meant by their writing. I’m used to abstract work but this was beyond even me.
dreesreads's review against another edition
3.0
Booker International 2021 Longlist. My 8th read of 13 from the longlist.
This book consists of unusual short stories. Some are weird and almost nonsensical (I Live in the Slums). Others don't really go anywhere, and there is no resolution (Venus). A lot of them are based in nature and have flora/fauna narrators, rather than human. My favorites were all toward the end of the book, my favorite two being Her Old Home and I Am a Willow Tree.
I don't know that I would consider these stories unique in any way other than often being confusing. I don't know why this made it onto the longlist, but the longlist and shortlist are both so strange and disappointing this year this is actually one I have enjoyed more.
This book consists of unusual short stories. Some are weird and almost nonsensical (I Live in the Slums). Others don't really go anywhere, and there is no resolution (Venus). A lot of them are based in nature and have flora/fauna narrators, rather than human. My favorites were all toward the end of the book, my favorite two being Her Old Home and I Am a Willow Tree.
I don't know that I would consider these stories unique in any way other than often being confusing. I don't know why this made it onto the longlist, but the longlist and shortlist are both so strange and disappointing this year this is actually one I have enjoyed more.
vpodhorny's review
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
toria's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0