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laneamagya's review against another edition
5.0
This is an exquisite little book of short stories, most of which revolve around mother-daughter relationships. Many in the collection were originally published in the New Yorker, and many are reportedly auto-biographical. Most importantly, the stories dance along the line between prose and poetry from the first page, and Kincaid's language is gorgeous and evocative and powerful. I don't think one reading suffices, at least not for me.
micklesreads's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is a beautiful collection with depth that makes each story its own universe. The writing and lack of concrete plot made this feel more like a collection of narrative poetry to me; the final piece, the collection's namesake, especially felt like a meditation on connectedness.
lauren_endnotes's review against another edition
4.0
She loves the thing untouched by lore
She loves the thing that is not cultivated, and yet
She loves the thing built up.
Bit carefully placed upon bit - it's very beauty
eclipsing the deed it is meant to commemerate.
Labeled as "short stories", I found these pieces to be a better fit in prose poetry - both in form and theme. Kincaid is a vituoso of lyrcism.
She loves the thing that is not cultivated, and yet
She loves the thing built up.
Bit carefully placed upon bit - it's very beauty
eclipsing the deed it is meant to commemerate.
Labeled as "short stories", I found these pieces to be a better fit in prose poetry - both in form and theme. Kincaid is a vituoso of lyrcism.
lailalina's review against another edition
4.0
Favorite quotes:
"For days my body has been collecting water, but still I wont cry"
"The grass was the grass, and it was the grass without qualification"
"It is a woman who has removed her skin and is on her way to drink the blood of her secret enemies. It is a woman who has left her skin in a corner of a house made out of wood"
"For days my body has been collecting water, but still I wont cry"
"The grass was the grass, and it was the grass without qualification"
"It is a woman who has removed her skin and is on her way to drink the blood of her secret enemies. It is a woman who has left her skin in a corner of a house made out of wood"
carlacarinreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
booksandquilts's review against another edition
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
stayamy's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0