Many interesting concepts, but in the end it felt inconsequential
dark emotional reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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mariaellabetos's profile picture

mariaellabetos's review

2.0

Not exactly likeable.

I've have my first encounter with Keret in reading his other collection, The Girl on the Fridge. It was funny and absurd, filled with Cliffhangers and highs that you find in rushing through the flash fiction.

This time around, I got bored with his Novella. Plus, my mom and I have had discussion about Israeli literature and why it seemed like
bleak and dark and humorless
. I am not adept with with their history and writing styles, but in this collection, when it gets longer, it became more boring. Some stories are not even worth remembering.

I have had also moments of slump when I was reading this book. #SorryNotSorry

Ada sesuatu yang tak kena.
Mungkin terjemahannya.

This is his first collection of short stories. You can see him on his way to full-Keret-surrealism.

imkegobel's review

2.0

Sexist, racist, some interesting stories, but most of them where just weird and sexist and racist. There. Done.
Just thought of what these stories are. The weird fantasies/dreames of a teenage guy who wants to become a writer but for now is obsessed with 'hot babes' and hating on Arab people.
funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: N/A
Strong character development: N/A

Quirky

serialreader's review

5.0
dark funny fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Good short, very short, stories. 1-3 pages each. Israeli writer, shout out.

It was OK. I really liked the title story with the bus driver strictly adhering to rules for the greater good then considering a moment of personal mercy. I won't forget that. I've finished and already forgotten most of the rest. These are little 3-page "stories" often absurdist, occasionally amusing or clever. Then there is an extended story at the end that prattles on. Tough read for me. No attachment to characters.