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graywacke's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
In the opening section Charlie tells us of the death of Kate, his only daughter at 13 in an accident, and of his wife's leaving afterward. The rest of book is in this context. Charlie breaks down further and further as he seems to try to find a place between life and death to reach his daughter. Paul Harding is free to drift between reality and hallucination, which he does wonderfully, while digging, himself, through Charlie's voice, deeper into Charlie and his grief.
This is a beautiful book. In some ways it's a little simple, the writer setting himself up for giving his writing free reign without any threat to the book. But that's a lite criticism. If you know what you're getting into, you'll know whether you will like it.
This is a beautiful book. In some ways it's a little simple, the writer setting himself up for giving his writing free reign without any threat to the book. But that's a lite criticism. If you know what you're getting into, you'll know whether you will like it.
stucknbooks14's review against another edition
3.0
I have a feeling my review of this book is absolutely in direct correlation to being a parent to a daughter, and having also suffered loss. I do have to say, if you think those things would become an issue while reading, don't read this one. I had to put it down a few times to collect my own emotions and disconnect them from what I was reading. While it is horribly sad, it's also beautiful in it's own right.
8/10 Dollar Store Find
8/10 Dollar Store Find
upgirlcd's review against another edition
2.0
This book was depressing. I can read even a tough book about coping after loss; this book was about loss, yet kept losing itself more and more with Charlie's downward spiral. In places, Charlie was so lost in his grief, he was hallucinating through painkillers & whiskey. He closed his world in so tightly around himself, he didn't know where his hallucinations ended and reality began. There was no "coming out of it" for greener pastures. There were only memories of the daughter he lost & the reality that he was destitute, dirty, and without her. This was good writing in a bad book. I almost didn't finish it.
lola425's review against another edition
3.0
Charlie's downward spiral was painful to watch, but it is even more painful when you realize it has abolutely nothing to do with the tragedy that befalls him and everything to do with his own ego. It almost feels as if it was only a matter of time before Charlie lost it.
gnomeshill's review against another edition
5.0
I never write reviews on here, but I feel compelled to for Enon. Simply put, this is one of the only books that has moved me to tears. Each passage was perfectly crafted and deeply profound. Going straight onto my top ten.
shellihuntley4's review against another edition
1.0
This was the LONGEST short book I've read in a while. I really enjoyed Tinkers, so I hung in there hoping for more than I got. Does anyone like this book?
librarian_lisa_22's review against another edition
1.0
Overdrive. The language is like poetry--really exquisite. However, the story is just too sad. Anguished. I listened to the author read 2/3 of the book and felt like I was drowning in sorrow and pity and the main character's filth. I wanted to finish the book--Harding's prose is gorgeous. And while I read Tinkers twice, I couldn't finish this one. I felt weighted down and aching with each heavy chapter.
halfcentreader's review against another edition
3.0
I appreciate immensely Harding's way with words. And I am a fan of Tinkers. This book had the occasional gem but mostly I found myself annoyed with the protagonist and couldn't wait until he finally stopped the self pity .