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mildibobildi's review
1.0
oh boy, this is not for me. Disjointed and confusing are the two words that came to mind in describing this book.
I found the premise interesting; Mr. Fox is a writer who kills the women in his book. He's married to Mrs. Fox, but he's also in love with his muse, Ms. Foxe, who is not a real person. The book is written in short stories, with the narrative switching back and forth between the three characters. Unfortunately for me, I can't always figure out whose narrative it was, and even between what's real and what's the imagination of the characters.
I managed to get into the first few chapters. After that it got tiresome very quickly. I finished it, with effort, hoping it'll get better at the end, but I was disappointed.
I found the premise interesting; Mr. Fox is a writer who kills the women in his book. He's married to Mrs. Fox, but he's also in love with his muse, Ms. Foxe, who is not a real person. The book is written in short stories, with the narrative switching back and forth between the three characters. Unfortunately for me, I can't always figure out whose narrative it was, and even between what's real and what's the imagination of the characters.
I managed to get into the first few chapters. After that it got tiresome very quickly. I finished it, with effort, hoping it'll get better at the end, but I was disappointed.
thepiqht's review
4.0
Review to come. Overall, this was a whimsical novel that made real life seem a little boring. However, Oyeyemi also writes about real life in the book which, I supposed mimics the mindset of the main character.
shelbywebb's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
forthesun's review
3.0
Fun and a little all over the place. Quirky and cute, but definitely not your usual fairytale
kpmbooks's review
4.0
This is a gorgeously written, clever story for when you're in the mood for a down-the-rabbit-hole acid trip of a book. It took me a while to have any idea of what was going on, and I'm pretty sure I missed some of the references to classic fables that the author riffs on, but the ride was enjoyable.
elizartemisbailey's review against another edition
4.0
Puzzling, but I do enjoy a puzzle. And whimsy. And imagination. And foxes. 4.5 stars.
othersideoftherain's review against another edition
5.0
dazzling complex and darkly humorous, this book dives deep into male subjugation of women and the power struggle that exists within so many heterosexual marriages. as always, Oyeyemi brings folklore and fairy tales along for the ride, interweaving famous tales like Bluebeard and Reynard the Fox. a difficult, deliciously unhinged read that’s not for the faint of heart, but with so much meat on the bone—perfect for sinking your teeth into.
nssutton's review against another edition
3.0
When Mr. Fox's muse, Mary, comes to life, the two become caught in stories of their own devising. But will he write his way back into the arms of his wife or those of the woman who inspires his stories?
This book is playful and clever, which was -- in equal parts -- interesting and exhausting. Oyeyemi's writing is so beautiful that it is easy to overlook the latter. The ten short stories written by the characters are a bit more fulfilling than the actual plot itself, but if you like innuendo rather than resolution you'll find this a real gem.
This book is playful and clever, which was -- in equal parts -- interesting and exhausting. Oyeyemi's writing is so beautiful that it is easy to overlook the latter. The ten short stories written by the characters are a bit more fulfilling than the actual plot itself, but if you like innuendo rather than resolution you'll find this a real gem.
cat_thecatlady's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the stories inside this story but didn’t love the book itself. overall, it felt really confusing. the writing is beautiful and I would love for the stories to be a bit more developed and long. a shame