Reviews

The Beggar & the Hare by Tuomas Kyrö

louise_jb0's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

marjaem's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

saj_81's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

A hopeful, inspiring story about a man and a rabbit finding their way after everything first goes wrong. Thoughful commentary on Finnish society and humanity in general.

My first book from this author was different than I expected!

elizabethbest's review against another edition

challenging dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

seraphinaoriana's review against another edition

3.0

An interesting read! Written as an homage to a Finnish classic ‘The Year of the Hare’ a beggar goes on a journey to get his son a pair of football boots. He travels through different countries and meets some characters along the way that help him. Written almost in the style of a folk tale, it explores the themes of migration, capitalism and class in an interesting way.

_katiaz_'s review against another edition

5.0

This is such a sweet book, written in an intricate and unique way. Questions on society are raised by this simple man and his hare - with the author able to draw metaphors efficiently, clearly and eloquently. The whole book is exciting - you have no idea what could happen on the next page.

moonshinealmanac's review against another edition

5.0

Unlike anything I've read before. A whimsical-yet-satirical fable that reminded me a little of a Nordic take on the Odyssey, filled with fully realised characters and stories, insightful commentary, and a wonderfully wry humour. Brilliant.

bent's review

2.0

Although I didn't mind this book, it didn't blow me away. It reminded me of other books and movies, Forrest Gump most vividly, where the protagonist is a bit of a naif and wonders from situation to situation, his actions serving to comment on society. When the protagonist, Vatanescu thinks and speaks, Kyrö shows this by italicizing his speech/thoughts. This unfortunately reminded me of Paul Stanley's whiny inner voice in his autobiography where the italics served the same purpose, and may have contributed to my not fully becoming invested in this book. I also had a problem with Vatanescu's original occupation as part of a ring of beggars. He lives like a beggar and splits the little he makes with the organization that has arranged it, having almost nothing for himself. I didn't understand why he would sign on to this as it seems like he'd do better off if he just took to the streets and begged.

There were some enjoyable moments in the book, but overall, I didn't think it was as clever as I feel Kyrö did when writing it. You always wonder if a novel loses something once it's been dragged through translation. In any event, an OK read, but nothing special.

ruthreads's review against another edition

2.0

Country: Finland

bourriquet's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0