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teresac's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
marianacastroe8's review against another edition
2.0
Lucia Berlín es auténtica y su vida marcada por el alcoholismo, las drogas y cierta soledad se ve retratada en los cuentos de “Una noche en el paraíso”. En todo caso, su “autenticidad” es muy repetida y eso hace que todos los cuentos giren sobre lo mismo.
jamesdanielhorn's review against another edition
4.0
A Manual for Cleaning Women was so unbelievably good I thought Lucia Berlin could do no wrong. There was no way this secondary collection could let me down. Unfortunately, this collection was a bit lackluster in comparison.
Intact is Berlin’s knack for prose at once beautiful and devastating, yet gone from many of these stories are the depth and tension. There are enough moments where her wistful nostalgic magic sparkles to get you through, and at least 2 stories (maybe 3 or 4 if I’m feeling generous) could have made the cut for AMFCW. Sadly though, the worst bits were utterly dull and unmemorable.
As many others have noted this is clearly the leftovers from compiling the other book, so for those looking for another fix, by all means read this, but be prepared to chase the dragon.
Intact is Berlin’s knack for prose at once beautiful and devastating, yet gone from many of these stories are the depth and tension. There are enough moments where her wistful nostalgic magic sparkles to get you through, and at least 2 stories (maybe 3 or 4 if I’m feeling generous) could have made the cut for AMFCW. Sadly though, the worst bits were utterly dull and unmemorable.
As many others have noted this is clearly the leftovers from compiling the other book, so for those looking for another fix, by all means read this, but be prepared to chase the dragon.
bcrosales's review against another edition
4.0
If A Manual for Cleaning Women left you wanting more of Berlin's stories then you'll be happy with this.
khyson's review against another edition
3.0
What you’d expect from a secondary posthumous collection — not all of these are gems but the ones that are have that signature Berlin shine.
i_have_worms's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
pino_sabatelli's review against another edition
3.0
Tre stelle e mezza
Una raccolta di racconti nettamente inferiore rispetto a "La donna che scriveva racconti" (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1713424868). Anche qui le storie prendono spunto dalle vicende autobiografiche dell'Autrice, ma si ha come l'impressione che siano state sottoposte un un processo di "letterarizzazione" che ne ha svigorito la forza e l'intensità narrativa, attenuando quella sincerità feroce e brutale che tanto avevo apprezzato.
Una raccolta di racconti nettamente inferiore rispetto a "La donna che scriveva racconti" (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1713424868). Anche qui le storie prendono spunto dalle vicende autobiografiche dell'Autrice, ma si ha come l'impressione che siano state sottoposte un un processo di "letterarizzazione" che ne ha svigorito la forza e l'intensità narrativa, attenuando quella sincerità feroce e brutale che tanto avevo apprezzato.
alexandra13's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0