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outcolder's review against another edition
5.0
I was laughing out loud on the subway reading this. Genius!
milooo's review against another edition
challenging
funny
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? It's complicated
2.0
this was… a confusing read. i probably should’ve done more research before starting it, because if there’s anything i’ve learned from this book, it’s that you should never approach a surrealist novel with no context and no understanding of how it came about. i would also not recommend audiobooking this book because it plays a lot with using footnotes, which gets really confusing when being narrated. i might give this another go later but meh probably not
alconn's review against another edition
challenging
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
5.0
The funniest book ever written. O'Brien is a genius. He makes Joyce sound like Sally Rooney at points but it's worth the challenge and then some
jetpackdracula's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Murder, and Death
Minor: Antisemitism and Racism
angus_mckeogh's review against another edition
4.0
Surprisingly good. Never read any O'Brien before and it's rather old comparatively. The first couple chapters about the murder were some of the best literature I've read in years, and then the novel rolls into "literary nonsense". I wasn't even sure what the term meant but it ended up being extremely funny. The ending was also a twist as well. And a whole lot about humans turning into bicycles. Recommended.
danielkallin04's review against another edition
5.0
A truly unique work of fiction, surreal and sometimes impenetrable, with pages more footnote than main text, it's one insoluble pancake!
bookishbrighton's review against another edition
2.0
I totally get why people love this book but unfortunately it just wasn’t for me. Violence and nonsense - two things I can’t do! So a poor choice for me to read, rather than there being any issue with the book. If you like books that are a bit non-sensical and out there, you’ll love this. It is certainly very funny and very witty!
gabrielf94's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
muppets's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was hesitant at the start of this because I figured much of its humor and meaning was intrinsically Irish and would be lost on me, but was so pleasantly surprised at how laugh out loud funny it was at times! Aside from its absurd humor I found many wonderful passages both beautiful and haunting in their prose. immensely enjoyable.