becka6131's review against another edition
5.0
This has such a remarkably self-assured prose style and manages to so successfully combine comedy, tragedy and wit that I'm glad I finally read it to see what all the fuss is about. If I had the second book in my hands right now, I'd start it immediately. Extraordinary.
extemporalli's review against another edition
5.0
should come with all the content warnings, but if you can withstand that, obviously a masterpiece
ronanmcd's review against another edition
5.0
An absolute rocket of a book. This is a collection of the most odious characters with no redeeiming features to any of them. And so readable as a result, apart the central episode which is a deeply unsettling read.
But overall what a well observed lance through the mores, perceptions, rites and so on of English Society (capital S old chap).
But overall what a well observed lance through the mores, perceptions, rites and so on of English Society (capital S old chap).
anastlesia's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Incest, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Pedophilia, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Alcoholism
frasersimons's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
All of these people are varying degrees of bad. From slightly narcissistic to irredeemable and vile. However, the strange, almost Pushing Daisies-esk quality to the narration. Spinning a yarn, but it’s biting and unwilling to let the characters off the hook. Which is good, considering what happens to Patrick Melrose in this book at the age of 5.
It won’t be for everyone. It’s traumatic, and looks to be teeing up Patrick’s future in a way that probably examines the trauma cycle. This is particular to my interests and the voice and prose is really well done, so it was for me, but I can see why probably most people wouldn’t be interested in it. I think it will only be more interesting when it moved past his childhood. We’ll see what happens.
It won’t be for everyone. It’s traumatic, and looks to be teeing up Patrick’s future in a way that probably examines the trauma cycle. This is particular to my interests and the voice and prose is really well done, so it was for me, but I can see why probably most people wouldn’t be interested in it. I think it will only be more interesting when it moved past his childhood. We’ll see what happens.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
A day and a half in the life of five-year-old Patrick and his hideous parents and their hangers-on. Witty, wicked, perceptive. Every other line of dialogue contains an aperçu worthy of Oscar Wilde, and the child abuse is horrific. You have been warned.
jackb's review against another edition
4.0
Witty and well written, then incredibly dark seemingly out of no where. Rich people being obscenely awful.
anitaofplaybooktag's review against another edition
3.0
St. Aubyn has been on my list for awhile to try, and I am glad I finally did . . .but this initial book in the series was hard to stomach. Apparently semi-autobiographical, this story revolves around Patrick at the age of 5. His father is a horrible human being with a sadistic streak and his mother is a drunk. This book gives us little peeks into how a boy perceives his own life. It also sets the stage for future books by introducing adult friends of Patricks' parents and painting a picture of wealth and upper crust society.
The writing was strong, but the storytelling didn't quite rise the book up to four stars for me. However, I was intrigued enough that I will probably give the second book in the series a try.
Dark and reminded me in a certain way of Nabokov.
The writing was strong, but the storytelling didn't quite rise the book up to four stars for me. However, I was intrigued enough that I will probably give the second book in the series a try.
Dark and reminded me in a certain way of Nabokov.
oohblue's review
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0