Reviews

Y eso fue lo que pasó by Natalia Ginzburg

johnbittles's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.25

A short novella about a doomed marriage. A young woman meets an older man. She hasn't had much male attention, so is flattered that he comes to visit her most days. He doesn't talk much, isn't very affectionate, but she falls for him just the same. After they get married she finds out he is in love with another woman, has been for years. 

It took me a while to get into this, but I was racing through it by the end. It's a very clever examination of love and loneliness, and it packs a powerful emotional punch. 

loladfranco's review against another edition

medium-paced

4.0

saestrah's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

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

2.0

pawswithprose's review against another edition

mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.5

julianananana's review against another edition

4.0

What a moving little book that I had no idea was published in 1947 by a cool lady! More women should kill their husbands! (That is a joke)

jpiacentini's review against another edition

dark sad tense fast-paced

3.25

dogsbooksandpizza's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.0

My favorite part of this book is the fact that we know two characters die at the very beginning, yet building up to that point is still incredibly compelling. Fascinating and infuriating look at 1947 gender norms in Italy.

levs's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-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

thayawar's review against another edition

3.0

A rough ride !! But compellingly written for sure

khopeisz's review against another edition

4.75

This was such a gossipy little read! I was scribbling in the margins, my one Alberto-esque trait, constantly talking back to this book. I have nothing more intelligent to say about Ginzburg’s observations on womanhood, marriage, etc. anyway, Alberto you better be glad our girly took you out quickly! Also Giovanna, what do you DO to these men???