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shanmcdonald's review against another edition
5.0
one of the best books i’ve read in a while, the writing, clarity and ability to establish characters so quickly is incredible. this man is an artist.
tstuppy's review against another edition
5.0
This was a stellar collection. Unlike most Yates, there are some optimistic stories here, or at the very least some stories that end well. I felt like a lot of the stories reminded me of his books—mostly A Special Providence—but that wasn’t a bad thing.
Overall, I was blown away by Yates’ clear skill here. He is one of the greats, no doubt about it.
Overall, I was blown away by Yates’ clear skill here. He is one of the greats, no doubt about it.
thisotherbookaccount's review against another edition
4.0
Marriage changes your perspective on, well, marriage. I think it is a completely different experience to read about failed marriages, unrealised dreams and disillusionment as a married person. Even though I am in a perfectly happy marriage at the moment, there are things that Richard Yates writes about that touches a raw nerve in me. While I might not necessarily relate to the cheating husbands, estranged couples and broken marriages, I at least understand where a lot of them are coming from.
You might complain that Yates is a one-trick pony. He does one thing and one thing only, most of the time. However, when you are that good with what you do, there are few reasons to do anything else. The only downside I feel is that many of these short stories sort of bleed together after a while. Since thematically they are familiar to most readers of Yates, none of them really stand out in this collection. However, having put some distance between this book and the last of his that I have read, it's much easier to sink into these stories. Some stand outs include 'Oh Joseph, I'm So Tired', 'A Natural Girl', 'Liars in Love', 'A Compassionate Leave' and 'Regards at Home'.
It doesn't exactly break new grounds, but it doesn't hurt to visit Yates' writing every once in a while to remind yourself of the fragility of love, marriage and aspirations.
You might complain that Yates is a one-trick pony. He does one thing and one thing only, most of the time. However, when you are that good with what you do, there are few reasons to do anything else. The only downside I feel is that many of these short stories sort of bleed together after a while. Since thematically they are familiar to most readers of Yates, none of them really stand out in this collection. However, having put some distance between this book and the last of his that I have read, it's much easier to sink into these stories. Some stand outs include 'Oh Joseph, I'm So Tired', 'A Natural Girl', 'Liars in Love', 'A Compassionate Leave' and 'Regards at Home'.
It doesn't exactly break new grounds, but it doesn't hurt to visit Yates' writing every once in a while to remind yourself of the fragility of love, marriage and aspirations.
veelaughtland's review against another edition
4.0
Much preferred this to Yates's first collection personally - the stories felt that little bit more substantial, and I got to know the characters in each a lot more along the way. This deals with many of the same topics as Yates's other works, but I just love the deft way he manages them (and particularly the many awkward situations that arise along the way). Definitely would recommend this one if you're looking for a bit of a milder misery-fest.
colormiele's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
literarychef's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
megbriers's review against another edition
3.0
a nice collection of short stories that were just the right length
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