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graventy's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. Written in the second person, you are a woman on a trip to Morocco who loses her backpack, and with it, her identity. The choices 'you' make after this drive the plot forward, and away from the past 'you' do not wish to face.
2kerrymehome's review against another edition
4.5
An example of a book that will not win prizes, but I loved the writing, I loved the plot, I loved the pace, and the reveal and I couldn't put it down. It will not change my life or how I think of myself, but I will think about this plot for a long time. Vendela Vida continues to reel me in with her lying women. Her point of view narrations integrate people's profound thoughts with absurd situations in a way that scratches a reading itch for me.
This is, also, the only book I've ever read that appropriately uses second person narration. It reads like a specific and unfortunate travel guide.
And Patti Smith! She added a Patti Smith!
This is, also, the only book I've ever read that appropriately uses second person narration. It reads like a specific and unfortunate travel guide.
And Patti Smith! She added a Patti Smith!
ceeemvee's review against another edition
1.0
Pass this one by. What awful writing, and the storyline is beyond stupid.
bluepuppy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Fabulous slow burn novel about identity and mutability of the self--you can be who you like. Compellingly written in the second person. Can't wait to read more from Vendela Vida.
sarah_brokamp's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
weekatsie's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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
3.5
hyzenthlay76's review against another edition
5.0
I love this writer. Her characters are often somewhat spartan and detached - she reminds me of Lorrie Moore in that way - but with awkward quirks that make them relatable at the same time. The brilliance of The Diver's Clothes Lie Empty rests in its screenplay-like exposition, nearly all action as we are almost imperceptibly seduced into inhabiting the main character (who remains nameless) through disconcerting second-person point of view, just as she inhabits various identities throughout the book. The imagery of clothing and costumes is utterly tangible. The timing of the emotional revelation is perfect and wouldn't work otherwise. This book perfectly captures that disorienting but intoxicating feeling of anonymity that comes from being alone in a foreign country, and also the terrifying leap of leaving it all behind, of "radical evolution."
rosafb's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this book thoroughly. The second person narrative gave it an immediacy… like a person telling you a story (you know it’s like when you). It made it feel really intimate. As the story begins to unfold and be revealed, the judgements that you may have initially begin to soften. And I found the main character compelling. It’s not a book that is “nice” or “easy” but it kept my attention and I read it quickly.
drusillamilford's review against another edition
3.0
There were parts of this book that I did not want to put the book down for but there were parts that were so far fetched that it was ridiculous. Main character did not learn from her previous mistakes..... Written in second person which I did not think I would like but it was all good.