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timgreenard's review
Short and meandering. Drip-fed plot and histories of the characters like clues. I wouldn't say the ending is a twist or a suprise, although I have seen some reviews were people didn't see the conclusion coming. I think it's clearly forecasted.
It has a lot to think about, and I'm sure a second reading would give small things new meaning. Lots open to interpretation and an ending that doesn't wrap everything up. I enjoyed it.
It has a lot to think about, and I'm sure a second reading would give small things new meaning. Lots open to interpretation and an ending that doesn't wrap everything up. I enjoyed it.
booktwitcher23's review
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
orchidfrequency's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
nafisareadingbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a masterclass in creative writing. The dripfeed of character detail is excellent. Alison can most definitely write. But did I enjoy the story being told? I'm not so sure. The prose is bloodless in its precision but are human beings that way? The stylish prose kept me at a distance from the main character and from anything that felt raw or real. I would read it again and admire the writing and storytelling, but story does not engage with me emotionally.
emmkayt's review against another edition
3.0
Lewis, a retired Religious Education teacher, lives alone, a Tupperware of soup made from leftover vegetables dropped off each day by his adult daughter en route to her administrative job. He still thinks about Sydney, a schoolmate from many years ago whom he hasn't seen since they were 18. I loved Moore's writing style, which is witty and poignant and filled with just the right sort of details. Her varying use of the word 'want' throughout always brought me up short and made me notice what was going on. The plot itself felt a bit slight and improbable, if a plot can be both of those things at the same time. I would like to read more of her work.
savidgereads's review against another edition
5.0
I left this book both jubilant and heart broken. Wonderful.
riverjphoenix's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
penny_literaryhoarders's review
2.0
2.5 stars He Wants didn't grab me the way [b:The Lighthouse|14569975|The Lighthouse|Alison Moore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1343229153s/14569975.jpg|20212710] did. And, oh, I was so very much hoping He Want would!! :-(
This one was a little too quirky and unevenly told to hold my attention and make me want to reach for it often. For a slim novel, it took some time to get through because I was a very reluctant reader of it.
Each chapter has titles such as, "He Wants a Cup of Tea", "He Wants a Second Chance", "He Wants the Family Silver", etc. and each would contain a lot of nonsensical, meandering, wandering, not very interesting chatter.
Sadly, I'm registering my disappointment for it overall. Big bummer. But you can't win at every read can you? :-)
This one was a little too quirky and unevenly told to hold my attention and make me want to reach for it often. For a slim novel, it took some time to get through because I was a very reluctant reader of it.
Each chapter has titles such as, "He Wants a Cup of Tea", "He Wants a Second Chance", "He Wants the Family Silver", etc. and each would contain a lot of nonsensical, meandering, wandering, not very interesting chatter.
Sadly, I'm registering my disappointment for it overall. Big bummer. But you can't win at every read can you? :-)
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