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sarahhigh's review against another edition
4.0
First encounter with Deborah Eisenberg. Consensus: Good. The biggest complaint I would give is that the stories in this collection felt, dare I say it, perhaps a little *too* polished. I could see the parts of the machine shining through her perfectly rounded characters and nicely tied up plots... I saw what Eisenberg was trying to achieve and technically, she achieved it. The word here being technically. I guess I just wanted a little more effortlessness. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?! (I think this is the direct result of reading Ottessa Moshfegh's short stories this year and liking all of the dirt and grime). (Sorry Deborah).
whitneyborup's review against another edition
3.0
I’m not sure I get it. These stories made me feel like there was something I just wasn’t quite grasping.
indigo78180's review against another edition
Seemed pretty mundane. I got through the first story, and it didn't pack a punch.
georgew's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
4.25
I enjoyed your duck is my duck and cross off and move on the most. Eisenberg has a delightful way of writing which entertains without end.
marlenewild's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
wathohuc's review against another edition
2.0
This collection of six short stories was weird. I found many of them to be seemingly unfinished. I presume this was purposeful, but it made the stories seem senseless or meaningless. I also found them to be melancholy and a bit cold and depressing. There is an unhappiness in them that makes me feel sorry for the author. The writing is fine and, at times, evocative; but nothing really spectacular.
amothiel's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
3.5
fly's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
vanessa_lehan's review against another edition
4.0
All of these were great and the first story was absolutely brilliant.