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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
https://boklaadan.wordpress.com/2019/08/26/pa-vag-fran-atocha/
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
This was a very interesting read and I enjoyed it for the most part. The narrator is incredibly introspective and self-critical which at times makes for really beautiful and poetic prose and at other times is deeply annoying. The other characters don't get much of a voice.
But I do think that Lerner has some interesting things to say on the topic of being an American abroad -- from not speaking the language, to "American presumptuousness" and the desire to stay abroad as a means of escaping your reality. And I think some of his thoughts on both art and poetry are also very thought-provoking. I generally liked Leaving Atocha Station but it also felt a little flat.
But I do think that Lerner has some interesting things to say on the topic of being an American abroad -- from not speaking the language, to "American presumptuousness" and the desire to stay abroad as a means of escaping your reality. And I think some of his thoughts on both art and poetry are also very thought-provoking. I generally liked Leaving Atocha Station but it also felt a little flat.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
adam is an incredibly relatable character (painful realisation)!!!!
i’m full of anxiety of my work and its meaning - ben lerner in the interview he did with my class.
i’m full of anxiety of my work and its meaning - ben lerner in the interview he did with my class.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
Half way through the book, I thought the protagonist was a self-obsessed pathological liar. But then I finished the book and I've changed my mind. He's riddled with self doubt, imposter syndrome, and mental illness. By the end he still doesn't quite come to terms with the fact that he's fluent in Spanish, a published author, that he deserved the fellowship place. He nearly comes to realise that he's loved and respected and that he deserves these things. He's young and he's realising his self worth. It's just youth, becoming an adult, finding your place in the world. It's actually a beautiful story of growing up and discovering yourself and understanding the effects of mental illness. He's fluent in Spanish.
dark
funny
reflective
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
challenging
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow. Recommended by NPR and sleeper hit for me this year. Not for those who need likable characters, but more for an intellectual exploration of authenticity. Funny quips, lovely language, and does leave you a bit sad.
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes