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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
If you dislike stories about ex-pat ingenues hoping to discover themselves while living off someone else's money, The Dud Avocado might not be a book for you. Its (at least partly autofictional) protagonist, Sally Jay Gorce, bounces naively around post-war Paris in search of a dissolute, Bohemian ideal. Being young and pretty means she usually gets away with being profoundly stupid and annoying. But an older and wiser Sally Jay narrates most of the story, bringing a a wry, self-knowing perspective to her youthful follies that renders them very enjoyable to read. (There is a section of the book that's told in diary form instead, without that perspective, and it's somewhat more cringy to see her acting out in real time. Still funny, though).
There is an undercurrent of longing throughout Sally Jay's hedonistic adventures. She is desperate to live live to the fullest, but she can't figure out what that means -- she only knows it isn't what she's doing now. That desperation lends heft to the book, lends depth that belies Sally Jay's shallowness.
There is an undercurrent of longing throughout Sally Jay's hedonistic adventures. She is desperate to live live to the fullest, but she can't figure out what that means -- she only knows it isn't what she's doing now. That desperation lends heft to the book, lends depth that belies Sally Jay's shallowness.
“Toss all night. Wait for the cinemas to open. Go in. Sleep in cinema.
Lunch. Walk. Talk to myself. American Express (no word from Uncle Roger-obviously something was very wrong at that end).
Another cinema. Back to the hotel. Go mad.”
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
I loved the Dud Avocado. Despite the plot frustrating me a little, it really does all come together at the end.
For those who like Nora Ephron, give this a go; you’ll identify with the character’s internal monologue so many times. Her voice is completely internalised and lacks a delicious amount of self awareness that makes you feel a little bit jealous of her life but glad you’re not living it.
For those who like Nora Ephron, give this a go; you’ll identify with the character’s internal monologue so many times. Her voice is completely internalised and lacks a delicious amount of self awareness that makes you feel a little bit jealous of her life but glad you’re not living it.
adventurous
funny
reflective
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A delightful beginning that faded toward the middle. The frenetic chaos and wacky adventures got tiresome and I found myself just trying to push through. The last 50 pages brought a fairly shocking revelation that was satisfying enough to earn an extra half star.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A true girl disaster
lighthearted
slow-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
Not really my cup of tea. I enjoyed the dialogue and the setting, but Sally Jay’s obsession with men got boring
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
i unfortunately started reading this ag a really busy time in my life - i would have enjoyed it much more if i didn’t take so long to read it. the last 1/3rd i read almost in one go was great