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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Disappointing, though still interesting. I liked and respected how short her short stories were, and some had really fascinating characters. Ultimately, though, I became disinterested.
Colette has a certain style of writing. In this collection her style seems to be blossom in some pieces, whilst in others it seems as if she was still testing her voice. Each vignette presents the outside view of slice of life, even in the first-person pronoun. It is only through the actions and subtle narrative is the internal life of the characters, the interest of each piece, made explicit. The themes of life, deep themes that exist within every culture, present or historical, are present here and will make an appearance out of the facile world Colette is created, if the reader is willing to accept it. Themes such as freedom and lust, fear and loathing, deep-rooted emotions, usually individualistic.
The one exception to this vignettes is the final autobiographical piece; My Friend Valentine. This longer piece is made up of smaller vignettes, but the vignettes don't wait to be understood, the characters Colette and Valentine explain the meaning to each other, in a way the meanings of these vignettes are easier to comprehend. But because the meanings are made explicit a new theme arises, the bond of these friends and their connection.
The one exception to this vignettes is the final autobiographical piece; My Friend Valentine. This longer piece is made up of smaller vignettes, but the vignettes don't wait to be understood, the characters Colette and Valentine explain the meaning to each other, in a way the meanings of these vignettes are easier to comprehend. But because the meanings are made explicit a new theme arises, the bond of these friends and their connection.
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ir tāda sajūta kā pēc nelielas šokolādes konfekšu kastes pabeigšanas. Katrs stāsts - maza, īpaša baudiņa.
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
far from disappointed by this flea market find! up until now, i had never read any colette and i don't think i was even familiar with her name; now i know better. after reading the first short story, i was immediately blown away by her preciseness and mastery of words. i'm truly inspired to write after reading these! the way she can so clearly paint and flesh out a story in no more than usually 4 small pages is astounding. definitely going to be rereading and learning some tips from these gems.
I mean I did enjoy some of the stories, but they seemed very repetitive and monotonous; none of the stories really stood out from the others. Thinking back I can hardly remember any of them...
I enjoyed the very short stories. Not so much the longer one My Valentine. It felt too personal, like Colette was writing strictly for herself.