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ttodd86's review against another edition
5.0
This collection is so very good.
This is a great example of how much can be accomplished in the short format. The best short stories are those that leave the reader feeling as if they've read something as comprehensive as a novel -- that happens with all of these.
I cannot wait to see what she does next.
This is a great example of how much can be accomplished in the short format. The best short stories are those that leave the reader feeling as if they've read something as comprehensive as a novel -- that happens with all of these.
I cannot wait to see what she does next.
araowl's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this short story collection. The writing style was graceful, yet not overdone. The focus on the nuance of family relationships and how the natural world can override our rational selves was interesting and compelling. My main critique is that the characters in the stories felt very similar, at times it felt like the narrators of the different stories were the same person. I also found it a bit odd that so many of the characters happened to be veterinarians. I read in the author's bio that they are married to a veterinarian, so I suppose it falls under a case of "write what you know." Overall, this collection was a joy to read, although the stories sometimes felt a bit undifferentiated.
wordynerdyanddirty's review against another edition
3.0
Great book of short stories centered around the ups and downs of relationships between people, animals, and nature.
vaia_the_reader's review against another edition
Reminds me of Alice Munro's stories.
elineedsmoreshelves's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
lisawhelpley's review against another edition
5.0
The writing is stunning. There are sentences that were so moving and beautiful that I read them over and over. Good stories.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
There is far to many short story collection that haven't worked for me and far to few that have. But Birds of a lesser paradise was in the category with those who did. Very well written and I enjoyed most of them. Was easy to get invested and didn't felt rushed. Perhaps because I've read shorter works recently.
lizaroo71's review against another edition
5.0
I have had this book on my radar for quite some time, but pushed it up on the list when it was mentioned on the Literary Disco podcast.
This is an excellent collection of short stories that makes the connection between individuals and nature. Each story contains some aspect of nature whether it is an animal or going out into the forest.
I think what appeals to me in this collection is that there is an honesty that comes through with each character. The voice of each character is strong and complex. It is this complexity that speaks to me.
I highly recommend this collection of short stories. It is impressive.
This is an excellent collection of short stories that makes the connection between individuals and nature. Each story contains some aspect of nature whether it is an animal or going out into the forest.
I think what appeals to me in this collection is that there is an honesty that comes through with each character. The voice of each character is strong and complex. It is this complexity that speaks to me.
I highly recommend this collection of short stories. It is impressive.