Reviews

WTFF did I just read? I don't hate it, but it's definitely not something I'd read again. It's just straight up weird, even for me. The language, taboo subjects, and illustrations didn't bother me, I just can't really comprehend what I've read all that well, which is more offensive and frustrating to me than the actual topics covered in the novel. Did enjoy the crass breakdown of The Scarlet Letter though Wasn't a fan of the author's style either. Read it as part of the 1001 books to read before you die.

This rating's probably going to be in flux, as I still can't make up my mind on this one.

lelia_t's review against another edition

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3.0

Well, I can’t say I enjoyed this book, but I’m glad I read it. I think it’s fascinating that Acker layers personal experiences with fictional narratives, splices famous people into the book to interact with the narrator and includes her truly awesome dream maps. I would probably have benefited from some annotation - I’m not sure I caught all the literary references, for example. Acker’s expression of her individuality is truly amazing - we’re on a winding path through the unique inner landscape of Acker’s mind and experience and she feels no need to make sure we’re keeping up by creating a straightforward narrative. But sometimes the trail is so tortuous (and torturous) and peculiar, I lost interest or grew impatient.

smiths2112's review against another edition

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fast-paced

2.0

nhar7181's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

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

4.5

eyeoweyooone's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective fast-paced

Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Content Warnings

patriciaxh's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.5

cmcrockford's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny medium-paced

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

4.5

The racial depictions would not pass muster in 2024, probably, but this is an astonishing, hilarious, and still bizarrely relevant book even if 1970's NYC doesn't really exist anymore. (But 2020's Philly definitely does.)

Content Warnings

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