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elzap's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
mary00's review
2.0
Interesting, but ultimately too dark and contemporary for my taste. Also a bit graphic in parts. I ended up skimming through much of it to find out what happened and can't say that the ending redeemed the book for me. In fact, for me, the book moved down in my estimation the more that I read.
pogseu's review against another edition
2.0
It was alright.. Not as 'fresh' and 'unmissable' as what I expected, given the rave reviews I read about it. I enjoyed reading this improbable love story.
Unfortunately, the concept behind the book is a lot more interesting than the book itself, which is a shame. It just comes to show that an idea isn't enough to make a great book.
& by concept, I mean the idea that two people could fall in love while visiting their loved ones' tomb in a cemetery (even though they don't think much of the other person, given the way they tend the allotment).
Unfortunately, the concept behind the book is a lot more interesting than the book itself, which is a shame. It just comes to show that an idea isn't enough to make a great book.
& by concept, I mean the idea that two people could fall in love while visiting their loved ones' tomb in a cemetery (even though they don't think much of the other person, given the way they tend the allotment).
beastreader's review
4.0
Desiree Wakkin works as a librarian. She is book smart and very well organized. Benny Soderstrom manages a milk farm. He is not much into appearances. This can be confirmed by the first time Desiree and Benny met.
Benny was really scruffy looking and was wearing this quilted jacket that had a logo on it, that said Forest Owners' Alliance. Of course though, Benny deserves a break as no one really plans to fall in love at a cemetery.
For weeks Desiree and Benny would share the same bench at the cemetery but neither one would talk to each other. Finally one day, Benny worked up the courage to invite Desiree to lunch. From there on, Desiree and Benny realized they enjoyed each other's company. Benny nicknamed Desiree "Shrimp". This is because Desiree just seemed to stuck up of a name and Shrimp fit her better. Shrimp because these creatures have a shell on the outside with long feelers but are soft and curvy on the inside. This is exactly how Desiree was.
How long though will these two be able to put up with each other. Benny with his relaxed attitude and his mother's embroidery work in his home. Or how about Desiree and her higher than mighty attitude.
I thought Benny and Shrimp was a fun, cute read. Benny and Shrimp kind of reminded me of The Odd Couple. They were total opposites but yet you couldn't imagine them having a better relationship with anyone else.
The way this story was written is intriguing. The characters alternated between chapters. Desiree would talk and then Benny. The whole book went this way. It was told in first person dialect. I would definitely read another book by Katarina Mazetti.
Benny was really scruffy looking and was wearing this quilted jacket that had a logo on it, that said Forest Owners' Alliance. Of course though, Benny deserves a break as no one really plans to fall in love at a cemetery.
For weeks Desiree and Benny would share the same bench at the cemetery but neither one would talk to each other. Finally one day, Benny worked up the courage to invite Desiree to lunch. From there on, Desiree and Benny realized they enjoyed each other's company. Benny nicknamed Desiree "Shrimp". This is because Desiree just seemed to stuck up of a name and Shrimp fit her better. Shrimp because these creatures have a shell on the outside with long feelers but are soft and curvy on the inside. This is exactly how Desiree was.
How long though will these two be able to put up with each other. Benny with his relaxed attitude and his mother's embroidery work in his home. Or how about Desiree and her higher than mighty attitude.
I thought Benny and Shrimp was a fun, cute read. Benny and Shrimp kind of reminded me of The Odd Couple. They were total opposites but yet you couldn't imagine them having a better relationship with anyone else.
The way this story was written is intriguing. The characters alternated between chapters. Desiree would talk and then Benny. The whole book went this way. It was told in first person dialect. I would definitely read another book by Katarina Mazetti.
hoboken's review
1.0
I was hopeful at the start b/c the writing was good, but it was a clever plot idea rather than a good book, not character driven, and the characters weren't sympathetic. Maybe, like Diana Athill, I find the subject matter no longer interesting.
hugbandit7's review
4.0
a little predictable but I really enjoyed the book...actually the ending had a twist I wasn't expecting
jacquelinec's review
4.0
It's rare that I come across a novel that I can't find fault with. Benny & Shrimp happens to be one of those rare books.
Mazetti has a way of holding your attention despite the fact that nothing much happens. It's such a simple story, yet the romance between the main characters is anything but. Benny & Shrimp is not plot driven, it's character driven. Such stories require a great deal in the way of characterization and, with such lovable, quirky figures, Mazetti gives us just that.
The ways that both Benny and Shrimp describe their world and the events that occur between them are so honest. I quite enjoyed how the alternating points-of-view allowed for a complete understanding of both characters, their actions, and their developing relationship...
...To continue reading this review, visit my blog, The Eclectic Book Lover.
Mazetti has a way of holding your attention despite the fact that nothing much happens. It's such a simple story, yet the romance between the main characters is anything but. Benny & Shrimp is not plot driven, it's character driven. Such stories require a great deal in the way of characterization and, with such lovable, quirky figures, Mazetti gives us just that.
The ways that both Benny and Shrimp describe their world and the events that occur between them are so honest. I quite enjoyed how the alternating points-of-view allowed for a complete understanding of both characters, their actions, and their developing relationship...
...To continue reading this review, visit my blog, The Eclectic Book Lover.
nglofile's review
In the description you might see "an international sensation" as well as "quirky, humorous, beautifully told". Among several reviews is the recurrence of the word charming. While the pairing of these two had potential, I just found the characters (especially the woman) crass. Not exactly my idea of charming, and certainly not "beautifully told". No, thank you.