Reviews

Bolla by Pajtim Statovci

eduardoandgo's review against another edition

Congrats to Statovci on creating a character that I despise so much while weaving a story that I became heavily invested in.  I really enjoyed Statovci's prose in this, completely enveloped me in the intertwining lives of Arsim and Milos. Throughout the novel, the contempt I have for Arsim grows to a level seemingly thought unimaginable, all the while, sympathizing for everyone else in his life affected by his completely self-absorbed decisions. Not typically as big of a fan of novels where I cannot stand the protagonist but this managed to keep me going where others with less complexity in their characters would have become uninteresting to me. Enjoyed this; would recommend.
 

joellie's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

3.75

lame_m's review

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

johannabeek's review against another edition

dark sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

pallavi_sharma87's review

4.0

4 stars
RTC

Happy Reading!

miiasnellman's review

2.0

*2,5

aadalapuranen's review against another edition

dark sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

krobart's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional slow-paced

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

3.0

 This novel is beautifully written and ultimately haunting. However, I so disliked Arsim that it was hard for me to read. He is absolutely vile in his behavior to almost everyone in the book but especially to his wife and children, whom he periodically deserts and beats when he is there. When he thinks later that he did his best by them, he defines this as financial support. Really, he deserts anyone who poses any difficulties. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence, Hate crime, Racism, Religious bigotry, Genocide, War, Domestic abuse, and Infidelity

lizz_lemon's review

5.0

The description really doesn't prepare you for how sad this book is. It's well written but so tragic.

alpsu123's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

2.5