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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What to say about this haha. My favourite episode of my favourite TV show is Bojack Horsemans Free Churro, an episode that is essentially one long monologue at a funeral. I expected this to be similar, hearing it was about a somewhat failing comedian giving a slightly unhinged monologue. But I think that expectation was unfair to go in with, cause nothing can compare to Free Churro for me.
This book was clever, is was well written, it was objectively brilliant, but it didn't particularly speak to me. It was fairly slow paced, which though not necessarily a bad thing, did make me reluctant to keep picking it up. I was engrossed once I got into it, but with no chapters, and no change of setting its fairly dense to get through.
If the premise sounds interesting to you, you probably will enjoy it, but try to go in without expectations.
I also think this would work brilliantly as a film, I'd love to see it on screen.
This book was clever, is was well written, it was objectively brilliant, but it didn't particularly speak to me. It was fairly slow paced, which though not necessarily a bad thing, did make me reluctant to keep picking it up. I was engrossed once I got into it, but with no chapters, and no change of setting its fairly dense to get through.
If the premise sounds interesting to you, you probably will enjoy it, but try to go in without expectations.
I also think this would work brilliantly as a film, I'd love to see it on screen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Racial slurs
I have no idea how to star this. It's certainly a journey.
I come away from this novel unsure how to feel. The rating comes from my own personal enjoyment, and I honestly don't know if I'm qualified to judge the quality of this because of how unique it was. I was impressed that Grossman managed to write a novel that essentially takes place over one stage show, potentially readable within that time if you read fast enough. Grossman also attempted to address grief in a really observational and removed way, and I don't know whether it was better or worse for it. It wasn't bad, though certainly meandering at points, but in the end I don't know where I'm at with this. All I can really say is to read it for yourself.
reflective
sad
slow-paced
A stand up comic has his most honest set ever while reliving his past.
So not what I expected. It has an American Pastoral feel.
So not what I expected. It has an American Pastoral feel.
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
slow-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
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Child death
3.5*
Excellent writing, masterful dialogue, and staggeringly original and ambitious content. It didn't speak to me on a personal level but even so I was impressed with what is achieved in this fascinating novel.
Excellent writing, masterful dialogue, and staggeringly original and ambitious content. It didn't speak to me on a personal level but even so I was impressed with what is achieved in this fascinating novel.
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this book recently, I picked it because it was a winner of the #BookerInternationalPrize but honestly I think I've officially given up on the Booker International Prize after this book.
The book is the monologue of a mediocre stand up comedian doing one last show. I was expecting something entertaining, but it was uncomfortable from start to finish. This awkward atmosphere was definitely deliberate, and if you enjoy books that make you want to put them down, burn them and run away, while also strangely being unable to stop reading, you will enjoy this book. I didn't enjoy it.
I'm not say this is a bad book, it was cleverly written, and there are interesting allegories with the comedians stories, and wider historical events. It was objectively well written, and not uninteresting. However I didn't not enjoy feeling awkward and uncomfortable throughout it. It's not a book I'd recommend, unless you're looking for something a bit dark and twisted.
The book is the monologue of a mediocre stand up comedian doing one last show. I was expecting something entertaining, but it was uncomfortable from start to finish. This awkward atmosphere was definitely deliberate, and if you enjoy books that make you want to put them down, burn them and run away, while also strangely being unable to stop reading, you will enjoy this book. I didn't enjoy it.
I'm not say this is a bad book, it was cleverly written, and there are interesting allegories with the comedians stories, and wider historical events. It was objectively well written, and not uninteresting. However I didn't not enjoy feeling awkward and uncomfortable throughout it. It's not a book I'd recommend, unless you're looking for something a bit dark and twisted.
I was struggling a bit with this book, and I think it's because I should have read it in one go. I lost the 'flow'. This was not a feel-good book, for sure. But enjoyable and interesting nevertheless.