Reviews

This book was unsettling, unusual, and vivid for its short length and simplicity. Even though it's only 200 pages long, and several long sequences are spent describing the surroundings, I felt like I came to understand the twisted small town described within. Many sequences are memorable, and somewhat disturbing. Over and over again, we are faced with the darkest sides of love, religious power, and intellectualism, but it manages to be funny and odd as well. I liked the book, but it's definitely a thinker, and the disturbing nature of some of the story is not my kind of thing.

filipmagnus's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked Heartsnatcher. It's a bizarre little book, both disturbing and grotesque, slightly amusing and unnerving, a short novel that shows a village filled with such cruelty and...the words seem to escape me.

Okay, let's try again.

Don't, under any circumstence, take this book literally. Vian has done a wonderful job with symbolism that is very easy to 'get' while still possessing deeply meaningful commentary on guilt, religion, love, and pain.

I've no doubt that I'll remember the Old Folks' Fair, as well as all the main characters - they certainly leave a mark. And the children - ah, much could be said about them, and yet, it would pale in comparison to what Vian's words can offer.

gebo133's review against another edition

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dark sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

merlita's review against another edition

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challenging dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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