Reviews

Special topics in calamity physics by Marisha Pessl

aisid's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.5

hollsbooks's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

3.75

trin's review against another edition

2.0

Another one I feel very conflicted about. The writing style is fantastic—vivid and engaging. Pessl does two incredible things, one specific to these characters, with narrator Blue van Meer repeatedly inserting the titles of related works—real and invented—into the descriptions of her life (see [book: Special Topics in Calamity Physics], 2006), and one which I hope is simply inherent in Pessl: constructing elaborate, beautiful similes and metaphors. Pessl really does have a unique way with language, so it’s in some ways even more disappointing that the plot of this novel feels like [book: The Secret History] Lite (see [author: Donna Tartt], 1992). Still, the book is Pessl’s first—I’m really curious and excited to see what she does next.

minna94's review against another edition

emotional funny mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

catherineannecarr's review against another edition

5.0

ADORE it.

tammym's review against another edition

Soft DNF - library book due

choccybabe's review against another edition

Just didn’t get on with it-found it boring and I didn’t like the main character

katokaitlyn's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

I am obsessed with this book. A friend recommended it while I was deep in a reading slump and I’m so so so glad she did. It was everything.

commedesenfants's review against another edition

1.0

Probably the most pretentious book I've ever read. And that's not a compliment. I want the hours I spend on this book back.

paulaspityparty's review

mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75