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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
It's a stand-up show in a novel form filled with dark humor; sarcastic and hateful remarks about its society; the tragic disposition of its people either in public or private state of affairs.
It's not an easy read, especially with snippets of Jewish history here and there being mentioned and used as a reference from time to time (so just help yourself in that department).
It's not an easy read, especially with snippets of Jewish history here and there being mentioned and used as a reference from time to time (so just help yourself in that department).
This book is draining: emotionally as well as physically. It's a book you want to talk about afterwards because you feel lost: there are still so many questions left open. So be back some day, "A horse walks into a bar", for now I need a rest.
Devastating and raw read unusual and incredible writing translation from hebrew. I read it flawlessly. Story of a club performance by stand up comedian Dov in Israel and probably the plan was for a full night many hours performance before a filled audience at the bar and at tables. Told partly from point of view of Dov's childhood friend who he has seen in decades Asharif who was a judge. I think Dov is here playing his last show and he asks this man who he has not since in 40 y to tell him what he sees about Dov and he watches listens for an hour.
Audience wants jokes laughter and he provides that intermingled with the drama about himself and physical attacks on himself. Dov is in intense pain and that leaves him with less and less of an audience.
Its like this is his redemption...
amazing read...
Judy
Audience wants jokes laughter and he provides that intermingled with the drama about himself and physical attacks on himself. Dov is in intense pain and that leaves him with less and less of an audience.
Its like this is his redemption...
amazing read...
Judy
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This phenomenal book, best read in one sitting, is inspiring me to read through the Man Booker International Prize winners and the rest of David Grossman's backlist. Set at a two-hour stand-up comedy show in a dive bar in Netanya, Israel, this book reminded me how much I love literary fiction. Splicing between time periods--one, the present; the other, the comedian's childhood--this explores the relationship between Dovaleh and Avishai, hitting on themes of grief, loneliness, friendship, abandonment, humor, and fear.
Avishai received a phone call from Dov, requesting that he come see him. After needing a few prompts to understand who precisely was calling him, Avishai, a retired and disgraced Supreme Court justice, agreed to come to the show and share with Dov what he saw. As the novel progresses, as the show progresses, we discover the history and connection between these two protagonists, an adolescent friendship culminating in a distinct personal trauma.
I cannot wait to purchase my own copy of this beautiful book and come back to it several years from now with a new perspective.
Avishai received a phone call from Dov, requesting that he come see him. After needing a few prompts to understand who precisely was calling him, Avishai, a retired and disgraced Supreme Court justice, agreed to come to the show and share with Dov what he saw. As the novel progresses, as the show progresses, we discover the history and connection between these two protagonists, an adolescent friendship culminating in a distinct personal trauma.
I cannot wait to purchase my own copy of this beautiful book and come back to it several years from now with a new perspective.
A bit like the audience to the central character, I sometimes found the story gripping and sometimes bemusing and annoying.
Well executed (and an execution it is!) but exhausting. It is really good but I can't give more than 3 stars when my first thought after the last page is 'thank god it's finished'.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am very glad I read the book and in hindsight there were some very important nuggets of insight, I also really liked the premise and the unraveling of the plot but I did find the reading experience very frustrating at times (which was the point in a way) and I did not enjoy that very much.