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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
I've waited a long time to see how this book ends. I thought it was beautiful when I first read parts of it in manuscript form and I think it is even more rewarding and fascinating in its final published form. So many gentle twists and turns, so many carefully considered griefs and recognition of the odd and unconventional things that bring us happiness.
What an absolutely divine read. Super quick due to the easy prose, and as Australian books tend to be, devastating and beautiful.
I can't say it went the way I thought it would, but it was a gorgeous expression of grief.
I can't say it went the way I thought it would, but it was a gorgeous expression of grief.
“The Art of Taxidermy” left me pleasantly surprised and would definitely say it’s not for everyone specially if you’re not typically taken with verse novels (that is a type of narrative poetry in which a novel-length narrative is told through the medium of poetry rather than prose.) It was a unique and refreshing tale that told a tale about coping with loss and the grieving process, and would highly recommended to readers who aren’t afraid to step out their comfort zone.
A quick and interesting read, full of wonder. I loved how this book was set out and found it quick to read. The ending is really lovely as well.
This was a surprise, and I am glad that I was tempted by the lovely cover to pick this up from the shelves. When I saw it was a verse novel I was wary, but it so beautifully and simply written that I didn't really think about the fact that it was in verse. This book is an examination of grief, of death, and of resilience - timely concepts handled in a non-threatening way. While it is hard to pinpoint the time setting of the book, I would assume it is post WWII, but regardless of the time, the themes are relevant to readers in 2022. This novel speaks to the odd bods, the outsiders, the weird kids, the strange and unusual ones, and so there are elements with are dark and somewhat shocking, but it is never overt or gratuitous. (The title has taxidermy in it, so those reviewers who are shocked that Charlotte speaks of death and of decaying animals, and the clinical procedure of taxidermy itself need to be a bit savvy about what they pick up to read when it is clearly indicated in the title!) There are themes of racism explored too, via Charlotte's friendship with "the love of her short life" Jeffrey. Not surprisingly, the context of this story, and the time in which it was set, means some concepts are in opposition to currently held beliefs in 2022.
Overall, Charlotte is a wonderful character, as strong, science focused young woman, and who is at times reminiscent of the gothic heroines of old. Her familial struggles are realistic, her relationships with others are believable, and she is believable and engaging as a character. The set piece big reveal was genuinely gasp inducing, and really changed the way in which the reader looks at Lottie's behaviour. Personally, I'd read a whole series about her and her taxidermy adventures. A beautiful book.
Overall, Charlotte is a wonderful character, as strong, science focused young woman, and who is at times reminiscent of the gothic heroines of old. Her familial struggles are realistic, her relationships with others are believable, and she is believable and engaging as a character. The set piece big reveal was genuinely gasp inducing, and really changed the way in which the reader looks at Lottie's behaviour. Personally, I'd read a whole series about her and her taxidermy adventures. A beautiful book.
I really enjoyed this little book out of Australia, told in verse, about a topic that I have absolutely no interest in. However, the author had a beautiful way with words, making taxidermy seem almost poetic, a lovely way of managing grief. The story unfolded, page by page, getting deeper and more intricate as it slowly revealed the deeper underlying themes. I found myself repeatedly highlighting phrases, delighting in way the author played with words (“we ate dinner at right angles” and “a clatter of cockatoos, a racket, a rattle, a jangle, a clank, a clash, a bangle, a mangle of flapping wings, flared Sulphur crests” for example).
I loved Lottie, the main character, and her eccentricities. I found her obsession with taxidermy curious,but understood it as the story developed. Since finishing the book, I find myself continuing to think about the story, so though it was a quick read, it’s staying power is long lasting.
My thanks to NetGalley for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in any way.
I loved Lottie, the main character, and her eccentricities. I found her obsession with taxidermy curious,but understood it as the story developed. Since finishing the book, I find myself continuing to think about the story, so though it was a quick read, it’s staying power is long lasting.
My thanks to NetGalley for an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in any way.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
3 1/2 stars.
This entire story is written in a prose style via a series of poems. All of the poems are written in first person from the point of view of Charlotte (Lottie), the preteen narrator. It's a rather imaginative way to write a book and I have to say that it actually works pretty well. I enjoyed the style and the writing. It felt comfortable and appropriate for the character.
There was a keen sense of mystery surrounding some of the bits and pieces of the story, which came to light through the pages a little bit at a time. It is rather cleverly done and I enjoyed the movement of the story.
My only issue with this one (as tends to be my downfall on many an occasion) was the ending. I left the story feeling unfulfilled. This isn't to say that the ending is a bad one. It wraps up in a way that makes sense given the previous pieces of narrative. I just couldn't get myself settled with it. Perhaps that is some of the intention, but I didn't like the uncomfortable way leaving it made me feel.
3 1/2 stars.
This entire story is written in a prose style via a series of poems. All of the poems are written in first person from the point of view of Charlotte (Lottie), the preteen narrator. It's a rather imaginative way to write a book and I have to say that it actually works pretty well. I enjoyed the style and the writing. It felt comfortable and appropriate for the character.
There was a keen sense of mystery surrounding some of the bits and pieces of the story, which came to light through the pages a little bit at a time. It is rather cleverly done and I enjoyed the movement of the story.
My only issue with this one (as tends to be my downfall on many an occasion) was the ending. I left the story feeling unfulfilled. This isn't to say that the ending is a bad one. It wraps up in a way that makes sense given the previous pieces of narrative. I just couldn't get myself settled with it. Perhaps that is some of the intention, but I didn't like the uncomfortable way leaving it made me feel.
Mesmerizing and beautiful in its description. I could feel Charlotte in my own bones
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated