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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
Why do I continue to read award-winning literary fiction, when nearly every time I end up wondering why the heck I'm reading this, and finding no satisfactory answer?
Trigger warnings for sexual assault and toxic masculinity: if you don't dig on seeing rapists portrayed as misfit heroes, and given lots of space to justify their actions, definitely skip this book.
Maybe I'll finish it someday, but I doubt it.
Trigger warnings for sexual assault and toxic masculinity: if you don't dig on seeing rapists portrayed as misfit heroes, and given lots of space to justify their actions, definitely skip this book.
Maybe I'll finish it someday, but I doubt it.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Each of these stories was wonderfully contained and whole within itself, and each chapter presents a somewhat different writing style, which gives a different flavour to a different character at a different time with a different perspective. My favourite chapter is still the penultimate one (heartbreaking and pure and sharp), but while the last chapter seemed a bit forced in its attempts to bring everything together, it is also remarkable because of its views on society and human interaction. Overall assessment: pretty brilliant.
As a collection of short stories, I really liked it. I don't think I'm intelligent enough to understand it as a whole.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I gave up on the audiobook because I thought the narration was weak. A few of the voices were OK, others were distractingly affected (monotone, whispery, etc.). And the male voices didn't work for me at all. Overall I found the book uneven and experimental to the point of silliness in some parts (like the satirical interview). There are a few original and memorable sections; for example, I found fascinating the part with the publicist and the genocidal dictator. And I was really interested in the portrayal of the kleptomaniac. I thought the portrayal of country club people was clichéd. To my surprise, I enjoyed the power point chapter a lot, although it was impossible to read it on an e-reader, and I didn’t want to even try with the audiobook.
Update, 2023
I had to reread it after loving the Candy House so much. Enjoyed parts of it more (the audiobook narration) and parts of it less (Jules) than the first time. The PowerPoint chapter is fun in the audiobook with the old fashioned slide carousel sound.
Update, 2023
I had to reread it after loving the Candy House so much. Enjoyed parts of it more (the audiobook narration) and parts of it less (Jules) than the first time. The PowerPoint chapter is fun in the audiobook with the old fashioned slide carousel sound.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated