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tskreads's review against another edition
It was so slow! Mostly seemed like it was one man's ruminations about his life I didn't think there was anything in there about the troubles after the breakup of Yugoslavia. I read up until 80% finished. It never got better.
karinlib's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second book I've read by Forna, and I will be reading more. Her prose is spectacular.
She starts her books slowly, beautifully, then gives you hints about what's happening beneath the surface.
The Hired man takes place in a small village in Croatia, about 16 years after the war. At first it seems like the war touched the village in a small way, but as the book progresses, you begin to wonder.
She starts her books slowly, beautifully, then gives you hints about what's happening beneath the surface.
The Hired man takes place in a small village in Croatia, about 16 years after the war. At first it seems like the war touched the village in a small way, but as the book progresses, you begin to wonder.
peachpapaya94's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
caseyfalkenstein's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
bourelle's review against another edition
Beautiful writing, made me think of the Memory of Love
jager123's review against another edition
It is difficult to describe this book. A work of literature set in the former Yugoslavia/Croatia. Part psychological thriller. Part international home reno novel. The Hired Man is the narrator, the central character, a watcher, a silent witness. I think I knew where it was heading but found my heart racing anyway. The answers are a long time coming, and not all the answers are provided. But the lack of an answer cannot be faulted when the context is considered. Set across pre and post war times. The tale of what one town experienced during a terrible time but it isn’t the focus for most of the novel. The writing is beautiful, weaving vivid images I could see. So much sadness but strength and survival also. Um it’s also alittle twisted.
mecayla_reads's review against another edition
1.0
I did not understand the story at all. No structure, no point.
sbelasco40's review against another edition
5.0
I think if I had one word for this book it would be "haunting" - and also the tension of not knowing what's going on throughout much of it, this quiet facade and then these flashes of the history that's buried beneath the narrator's Mr. Fix-It exterior. It's not quite like anything I've ever read before. Also, the pacing is amazing.
jwilly19's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first book I’ve read by Forna and I could not have been more impressed. The perfectly paced accretion of details and tiny yet momentous revelations is stunning, and the way she weaves what must have been a lot of research into a tightly focused story with so much emotional punch is the mark of an author in complete control. This one may start slow but stick with it...it’s worth it. I’m excited to read her latest: HAPPINESS.
slaughtercarrie's review against another edition
2.0
associating an ex with the croatian war feels correct