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tregina's review against another edition
3.0
(This review is for the revised Bashiri translation (2013), with introduction and essays by the translator.)
This book was in my Vacation Reading folder from last year, but it kept being pushed down the list because it is definitely not light reading, it almost has to be studied and parsed as you read. When I got home I'd forgotten it was there so it was only this year I rediscovered it. The experience of reading this novella in the absence of supplementary materials is very different from looking at it in context. On its own it's a brutal and eerie piece of work that follows a dream logic, weaving in and out of what may or may not be some kind of existence. With context, there are layers upon layers of influence and symbolism and political statement that are virtually invisible to me, as a modern reader of a different era and different culture. I'm glad I had the experience of reading it cold, and discovering for myself and making meaning of its ideas and imagery and stylistic markers, but also of coming a little bit to understand where it all comes from and what it all might mean.
This book was in my Vacation Reading folder from last year, but it kept being pushed down the list because it is definitely not light reading, it almost has to be studied and parsed as you read. When I got home I'd forgotten it was there so it was only this year I rediscovered it. The experience of reading this novella in the absence of supplementary materials is very different from looking at it in context. On its own it's a brutal and eerie piece of work that follows a dream logic, weaving in and out of what may or may not be some kind of existence. With context, there are layers upon layers of influence and symbolism and political statement that are virtually invisible to me, as a modern reader of a different era and different culture. I'm glad I had the experience of reading it cold, and discovering for myself and making meaning of its ideas and imagery and stylistic markers, but also of coming a little bit to understand where it all comes from and what it all might mean.
r0sem4rie's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, this was an absolutely amazing read. I felt like I was the one going mad and like I - along with the narrator - was loosing concept of time and of reality. Reading this book made me feel like I was the one experiencing the psychosis. This book was so dark and the prose was eloquent and so poetic. Such a fascinating read.
The narrator is so alienated and dissociated from everything and his perception of himself and time and the world around him is so distorted by his addiction. I absolutely loved this book which feels wrong to say considering what it’s about and how deep in depression and psychosis the narrator is.
This book was truly beautiful. Already due for a reread cause I still feel so lost in the story and its timeline.
I read the edition translated by Naveed Noori.
The narrator is so alienated and dissociated from everything and his perception of himself and time and the world around him is so distorted by his addiction. I absolutely loved this book which feels wrong to say considering what it’s about and how deep in depression and psychosis the narrator is.
This book was truly beautiful. Already due for a reread cause I still feel so lost in the story and its timeline.
I read the edition translated by Naveed Noori.
_jb_'s review against another edition
2.0
2.5 ⭐️
Kann sein, dass ich zu doof für das Buch bin. Sein Leid hat mir aber einfach zu starke Incel-Vibes gegeben.
Kann sein, dass ich zu doof für das Buch bin. Sein Leid hat mir aber einfach zu starke Incel-Vibes gegeben.
ohlhauc's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
dobbyz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
weejman33's review against another edition
3.0
In retrospect, the twist presented is rather clever. It is safe to say though that the second half of the novel fell off hard. I would also be unnerved if I repeatedly saw old men maniacally laughing at me everywhere I go.
deathmetalheron's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Since I restarted reading, I have been searching for this book, or rather, one much like it. The Blind Owl succeeds in all three aspects of great fiction--the story is gripping and interesting, the themes are poignant and relevant, and the prose is astounding and powerful. It's hard to look at this story and truly unpack it and find each little piece.
Even in its presentation, the book seeks to alienate and confuse the reader--there are five chapters, but only really 2 and 4 share 90% of the written text. The other three are short set pieces and framing devices. By the end of both the core chapters, Hadeyat starts to repeat passages of text, forcing the reader to go back and question whether they've read--and suddenly you realize you're going insane as you read the book, as reading the text itself simulates the same descent of insanity as the reader. The dramatic irony thickens in Chapter 4 when you see images repeat themselves in such a mundane fashion, and they are paced so well throughout the story you forget that they are coming--cypress trees, bone-handled knives, laughing so hard you get goosebumps--these moments all sing together in harmony, terrorizing the reader completely while the character himself exists in total unawareness.
Even in its presentation, the book seeks to alienate and confuse the reader--there are five chapters, but only really 2 and 4 share 90% of the written text. The other three are short set pieces and framing devices. By the end of both the core chapters, Hadeyat starts to repeat passages of text, forcing the reader to go back and question whether they've read--and suddenly you realize you're going insane as you read the book, as reading the text itself simulates the same descent of insanity as the reader. The dramatic irony thickens in Chapter 4 when you see images repeat themselves in such a mundane fashion, and they are paced so well throughout the story you forget that they are coming--cypress trees, bone-handled knives, laughing so hard you get goosebumps--these moments all sing together in harmony, terrorizing the reader completely while the character himself exists in total unawareness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Drug abuse, Sexual content, Death, and Murder
Minor: Religious bigotry and Misogyny
cimoore1999's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
thirdtimesacharm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Murder, Mental illness, Violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcohol, Misogyny, and Sexism
flai's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25