Scan barcode
wintrovia's review
3.0
I couldn’t decide when I first started reading this book if I thought the writing was awfully pretentious or beautiful. On reflection I think it’s a bit of both. There are some lovely observations and it’s clear the writer has a lot of talent. On the other hand, this talent feels to be squandered on a story that is high on melodrama but low on real intrigue.
The subject matter covered in this short novel is the exact kind of thing that soap operas across the world are doing every single day. The fact it’s written in a literary style with lovely observations makes it more interesting than Coronation Street but it’s still a bit drab.
I feel like a philistine for criticising the slow, meandering storyline but there really isn’t a lot going on in this book. The fact I stuck with it to the end is testament to the skill of the writer.
My review is probably overly harsh but it’s one of those books that I admired more than I enjoyed. Like a meal that is beautifully presented but tastes very bland: nice but unsatisfying.
The subject matter covered in this short novel is the exact kind of thing that soap operas across the world are doing every single day. The fact it’s written in a literary style with lovely observations makes it more interesting than Coronation Street but it’s still a bit drab.
I feel like a philistine for criticising the slow, meandering storyline but there really isn’t a lot going on in this book. The fact I stuck with it to the end is testament to the skill of the writer.
My review is probably overly harsh but it’s one of those books that I admired more than I enjoyed. Like a meal that is beautifully presented but tastes very bland: nice but unsatisfying.
thetokenfatboy's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? Yes
3.5
galaxcr's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
yuzujam's review
3.0
There was just so much. I could have sat and reflected on each page for a long time.
cmackrell's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
booooooring. not sure what we are meant to take from this.
tweedsuitcase's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lelia_t's review
4.0
This is a tight, quick book filled with seemingly random anecdotes, jokes, quotes and facts that tie into bigger events as the book goes along. There’s wry humor - I laughed a lot in the beginning - but also a realistic look at life’s messiness - the compromises we make in the course of living, loving others, raising kids, making money. How the shininess of life can get worn away by the grind of duty and responsibility.
I love the structure of this book - you can dip back in after finishing it and find a joke, phrase, digression that enriches your understanding of the whole. And the story has a sweeping speed, like life. You look down and you're middle-aged, wearing underwear with worn out elastic.
I love the structure of this book - you can dip back in after finishing it and find a joke, phrase, digression that enriches your understanding of the whole. And the story has a sweeping speed, like life. You look down and you're middle-aged, wearing underwear with worn out elastic.