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bittersweet_symphony's review against another edition
4.0
An easy read, but refeshingly imagitive. I thought it was a very original tale revolving around the relationship between a son and his dying father. The son yearns to know who his father really is while the father seeks acceptance and validation from his son.
It is a short read. I would have welcomed more stories to provide additional depth to the father and son. While touching near the end, it is mostly myth and legend. Very originial.
It is a short read. I would have welcomed more stories to provide additional depth to the father and son. While touching near the end, it is mostly myth and legend. Very originial.
ricksilva's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-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
5.0
A son creates a mythology around the dying father that he never truly got to know. Told in a series of tall tales, with interludes that present alternative versions of the death of larger-than-life father Edward Bloom, the author slowly and carefully teases out the tensions and the issues that exist between Bloom and his son.
The fantasy/mythological elements of this are great, combining myths of the classical style with American-style folktales while still maintaining some uniquely oddball details and twists. The recurring "dad-jokes" are a joy, even when they are painful and tragic.
This was a very clever and original approach to some timeless themes.
The fantasy/mythological elements of this are great, combining myths of the classical style with American-style folktales while still maintaining some uniquely oddball details and twists. The recurring "dad-jokes" are a joy, even when they are painful and tragic.
This was a very clever and original approach to some timeless themes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness
madameroyale's review
5.0
Originally read this book just to fill a reading prompt, but I ended up totally falling in love with it. It’s so charming—silly, genuinely funny, and unexpectedly touching at times. A really quick but vey worthwhile read.
mypinksofa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
li13eo's review against another edition
5.0
I love the movie so wanted to try reading the book too. I loved it!
mbenzz's review against another edition
4.0
What a cool book! I can't wait to see the movie now. This book is full of tall tales and such wonderful imagination, I'm really looking forward to seeing how it's played out on the big screen. I definitely recommend this book if you haven't already seen the movie...or even if you have.
kaitlynmount's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
zioale's review against another edition
4.0
Bel libro; una favola per grandi. Non prende voto pieno perché è uno dei pochi libri che si fa superare dal film.
isaacanator's review against another edition
4.0
I love this book.
In a lot of ways I was hoping for a story that mirrored the movie, as the movie was always impactful for me. But this book is just about the art of storytelling itself, and certainly does not overstay its welcome.
In a lot of ways I was hoping for a story that mirrored the movie, as the movie was always impactful for me. But this book is just about the art of storytelling itself, and certainly does not overstay its welcome.