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ezzie2666's review against another edition
4.0
Jesus! Felt a little sentimental at parts, but mostly balanced by most of it being so bleak.
papermoon68600's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
hollymckie's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't particularly like this book, nor did I have a CLUE what was going on most of the time. I know you aren't meant to understand it all, but I didn't understand what I wasn't meant to understand. It did start to come together in my head a bit more in, say, the last quarter, which probably made me just sorta dislike it rather than hate it. Really not my style though but very clever (read for an essay).
It is completely and utterly unique and I do have to give props to Alasdair Gray for that. Some of the pages in the middle are truly insane, both in language and typography. I can't even describe it to its full effect for those who have never seen it. Some words are upside down, bold, capitalised, in three columns, in an X shape, and a million other things.
How does a person's brain even work in a way that would produce something like this. The word 'fragmented' has taken on a whole new meaning after the experience that was this book. I almost gave it 3 stars just for that but then I remember the other books I have given 3 stars to and had to drop it to just 2.
A truly wild ride.
It is completely and utterly unique and I do have to give props to Alasdair Gray for that. Some of the pages in the middle are truly insane, both in language and typography. I can't even describe it to its full effect for those who have never seen it. Some words are upside down, bold, capitalised, in three columns, in an X shape, and a million other things.
How does a person's brain even work in a way that would produce something like this. The word 'fragmented' has taken on a whole new meaning after the experience that was this book. I almost gave it 3 stars just for that but then I remember the other books I have given 3 stars to and had to drop it to just 2.
A truly wild ride.
arrianne's review against another edition
3.0
I’ve read Lanark and I couldn’t really tell you a thing about it. I think I have retained more of this but I don’t think I could give much of a clear explanation of the plot. I think maybe I should just appreciate AG’s art and leave his books aside because I am not smart enough.
Essentially it’s about a waster of a guy in a hotel room contemplating suicide and having weird (often violent, sexual) fantasies and contemplating his view of the world. He’s not likeable and isn’t meant to be. It was hard to get through. It’s all very conscious of itself and its style and is good at getting across the pressure of his thoughts but it was a tough read.
Essentially it’s about a waster of a guy in a hotel room contemplating suicide and having weird (often violent, sexual) fantasies and contemplating his view of the world. He’s not likeable and isn’t meant to be. It was hard to get through. It’s all very conscious of itself and its style and is good at getting across the pressure of his thoughts but it was a tough read.
iainkelly_writing's review against another edition
5.0
An astonishing work of art. Not everyone will enjoy or agree. There is little plot, it meanders through surreal dreams and stories that confuse, entertain and shock. A unique work from a unique writer.
kycerae's review against another edition
Difficult experimental style, too long and repetitive
greeniezona's review
5.0
One of my favorite books. Though it's been quite a while since I've read it, so I don't think I could review it with any justice at this stage. But this is the book that sold me on the genius of Alasdair Gray.
kingtoad's review
funny
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pap3rcut__'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0