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dorothyhollander's review against another edition
2.5
I have read and loved so many of oyeyemi’s other books … this one was just soo hard to get through for some reason
eggandart's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
whatbluereads's review
Interesting concept...
However, it was hard to follow and keep track of what was happening. The one thing I will say (because I can't rate this yet) I feel like this book would be a great Wes Anderson movie.
However, it was hard to follow and keep track of what was happening. The one thing I will say (because I can't rate this yet) I feel like this book would be a great Wes Anderson movie.
frankensteinscreature's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Not my favourite Oyeyemi book but still a wonderfully disorienting read full of allegory, word play and everything fairytale.
darastar's review against another edition
3.0
So...it was good. And second half of the book made more sense than the first, and the last few chapters were pretty great, but the fact that I had to restart the darn audiobook three times because I was confused about who was who and what they were even doing...well, that says something.
Basically, it's not an easy book. There are some really interesting ideas about storytelling and narrative structure embedded, but for someone who reads for pleasure, and not to be challenged by structure, it can be difficult.
Basically, it's not an easy book. There are some really interesting ideas about storytelling and narrative structure embedded, but for someone who reads for pleasure, and not to be challenged by structure, it can be difficult.
parchmints's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-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
2.5
cdcsmith's review
3.0
I am not entirely sure how I feel about this book. I really love the concept. Some of the passages were beautiful. I think I really enjoyed the little stories within better than the book as a whole though.
eyreguide's review
3.0
With a book like this, it is difficult to say whether I liked it or not. Stories that are allegorical, with meanings and subtext hidden under layers of words are admirable I feel, because I do appreciate that there is a deeper meaning, but unfortunately I don't always quite know what that meaning is. This book does push you to think about the original fairy tale "Mr. Fox", and the interplay between male and female relationships, especially how it is told in stories. The book is a series of vignettes, with the main plot interrupted by a variety of tales that are told alternately from a male and a female point of view. Each vignette seems to elucidate some aspect of Mr. Fox's (the author) strange relationship with his muse, Mary Foxe. And only later in the novel is the wife, Daphne, given a true voice, which felt a little odd, as I wished I had known her better from the beginning. But then again, I can see how it mirrors the original tale, because only after Daphne knows Mr. Fox's secret can she interact in the story.
As a story, I think this book will appeal to a specific kind of reader, who likes a challenge and who is not as interested in plot and characters but ideas. And good writing, as the author definitely writes lyrical and powerful prose - her writing is something to be savored. As a reworking and commentary on the fairy tale "Mr. Fox," the author seems to have looked at many different angles on the tale, but ultimately I'm not sure what the message is, or what the attitude towards the original tale might be. It's a very readable book however, if you enjoy the different scenarios the author drops you into and the thought-provoking nature of the stories. Personally these kinds of books don't appeal to me in general, but once in a while it is nice to try something different!
As a story, I think this book will appeal to a specific kind of reader, who likes a challenge and who is not as interested in plot and characters but ideas. And good writing, as the author definitely writes lyrical and powerful prose - her writing is something to be savored. As a reworking and commentary on the fairy tale "Mr. Fox," the author seems to have looked at many different angles on the tale, but ultimately I'm not sure what the message is, or what the attitude towards the original tale might be. It's a very readable book however, if you enjoy the different scenarios the author drops you into and the thought-provoking nature of the stories. Personally these kinds of books don't appeal to me in general, but once in a while it is nice to try something different!