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ameliasbooks's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Good things first. I liked the description of Bruges and the the melancholic description of the place. If you also read some biographical facts about the author I can get, where the fascination for this book came from (back in the day).
But time has moved on. And what has been acceptable and a great book of its time, is not necessarily a must-read nowadays. Even if you are reading this with the time it was written in mind, it is still misogynistic and definitely not "a study of passion". Gag.
What starts out as a man grieving and finding the perfect place for him to do so, ends up in a very uncomfortable read, without any real emotions, but with him only trying to comfort himself through making women taking care of him in a way only he determines.
Sometimes it is just time to say goodbye to a famous classic, without having to grieve about it. I am sure Belgian literature has better things to offer meanwhile.
But time has moved on. And what has been acceptable and a great book of its time, is not necessarily a must-read nowadays. Even if you are reading this with the time it was written in mind, it is still misogynistic and definitely not "a study of passion". Gag.
What starts out as a man grieving and finding the perfect place for him to do so, ends up in a very uncomfortable read, without any real emotions, but with him only trying to comfort himself through making women taking care of him in a way only he determines.
Sometimes it is just time to say goodbye to a famous classic, without having to grieve about it. I am sure Belgian literature has better things to offer meanwhile.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Murder, Religious bigotry, and Sexism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Terminal illness
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