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lisawhelpley's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't love every one of these stories, but I did really like 2 or 3 of them.
melledotca's review against another edition
3.0
The stories aren't bad, but they're weighty and depressing as only CanLit can be. (And yet, no incest or drowning!)
And really, I just don't need to read about so many miserable, unfulfilled people.
And really, I just don't need to read about so many miserable, unfulfilled people.
penandpencil's review against another edition
4.0
Liked some stories better than others, very modern sensibility. Shortlisted for the Giller.
kristinoffiler's review against another edition
5.0
Incredible writing. Sarah is a talented writer, and is very attuned to the small details in life that create stories worth reading. Loved this collection.
ldv's review against another edition
4.0
My favourite was the last one, "Ten Thousand Buddhas."
Excellent short stories that convey so much character and background with such little narration. It's in the dialogue (which is great, because she doesn't even use quotation marks). Every story starts in the middle of the story, but they also end in a way that you know the story is not finished. If you had a telescope and could zoom into people's lives at random, these might be the lives you encounter.
And such variety!
Excellent short stories that convey so much character and background with such little narration. It's in the dialogue (which is great, because she doesn't even use quotation marks). Every story starts in the middle of the story, but they also end in a way that you know the story is not finished. If you had a telescope and could zoom into people's lives at random, these might be the lives you encounter.
And such variety!
eososray's review against another edition
3.0
A slightly depressing collection of stories about life gone awry, they were all well told and well written.
jazzsonn's review against another edition
2.0
Narrations felt stilted. Seemed to want to have the appearance of "depth" but fell short.
emmatarswell's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not usually one for short stories but I really liked this collection. Each story seemed real, if not a bit heartbreaking, and I felt for each of the characters presented. The stories are quite sad but reflective. I would love to read some happier tales from Sarah Selecky next time.
indigotima_'s review against another edition
tense
medium-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
2.25