Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

Boulder by Eva Baltasar

3 reviews

kappafrog's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark reflective sad slow-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? It's complicated

3.0

The writing style really drew me in at first. It's very visceral. But I ended up just feeling nothing for the characters in this book. The relationship was a disaster from the beginning, and it was hard watching the MC just move passively through the world. The only bright spot was her relationship with her daughter. The way that Samsa gets biologically essentialized was kind of weird. Overall, beautiful writing but dull.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

loganmedrano's review

Go to review page

dark reflective fast-paced

3.75

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

savvylit's review

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? No

4.0

The most arresting thing about this vibe-heavy novel was Baltasar's gorgeous sentences. Take this for instance, "Maybe love is unfurling above us like an enormous branch that bends and touches all the most sensitive, reticent parts of us." Stunning. There were so many moments where I'd read a sentence like that one and then pause to just absorb its beauty. This is also a testament to Julia Sanchez's skill as a translator.

Beyond the sentence-level craft, Boulder is an emotional and reflective slice of life. Boulder and Samsa's relationship, though portrayed from only one side, was palpable and realistic. This novel often felt like a memoir - that's how immersive and believable it was.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
More...