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abi_g_mac's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Surreal, unsettling and liminal. Explores relationships, grief, homelessness, globalisation, capitalism and the exploitation inherent within the system (including child labour/trafficking).
Not sure I'd describe this book as enjoyable, there are a lot of weird sexual moments and disturbing descriptions so it's definitely not for everyone but it does have something to offer if you're in the mood for the truly bizarre.
Not sure I'd describe this book as enjoyable, there are a lot of weird sexual moments and disturbing descriptions so it's definitely not for everyone but it does have something to offer if you're in the mood for the truly bizarre.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Sexual content, and Child abuse
libbyd1812's review
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
belwau's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
thebobsphere's review against another edition
4.0
Reading Jonas Eika's short stories is akin to watching a David Lynch movie: Something is not quite right, yet you know that this is fresh and different. Plus if you just accept what's going on, things make sense and there is some logic. Within these four ( well one story is divided into two parts) stories there are warped surreal moments with startingly realistic ones.
Opener Alvin is about a person who goes on a business trip and bumps into the titular Alvin and they strike a relationship, but then it goes into erotically platonic (see what I mean it sounds strange but that actually happens) territories, which then evolves into a satire of the financial world.
Bad Mexican Dog part one and two is about a beach boy in Cancún .Then things go awry involving white/orange liquids squirting all over the place. There's much more but it would be useless to describe all of it, as I'd rather the reader experience, yes one experiences, this story. One thing, be careful about shells!
Rachel, Nevada is about scientists studying UFO activity on animals. Maybe it's about human race being alienated by aliens?
The final story is Me. Rory and Aurora which is a surreal look at relationships.
As strange as these pieces may be, there is something innovative and different going on. Sure there are grey areas but then themes to emerge - societal problems, our love for materialism , the idea that we humans can escape but our nature does not let us be free. The term liminal spaces is apt for this collection.
Honestly there's nothing like this. I understand it is a cliché but, I honestly cannot find anything to compare these stories with. They exist in their own universe and I'm glad they do. I can see After the Sun getting different reactions from readers but I think if one just accepts all the weirdness then understanding what's happening is better.
Opener Alvin is about a person who goes on a business trip and bumps into the titular Alvin and they strike a relationship, but then it goes into erotically platonic (see what I mean it sounds strange but that actually happens) territories, which then evolves into a satire of the financial world.
Bad Mexican Dog part one and two is about a beach boy in Cancún .Then things go awry involving white/orange liquids squirting all over the place. There's much more but it would be useless to describe all of it, as I'd rather the reader experience, yes one experiences, this story. One thing, be careful about shells!
Rachel, Nevada is about scientists studying UFO activity on animals. Maybe it's about human race being alienated by aliens?
The final story is Me. Rory and Aurora which is a surreal look at relationships.
As strange as these pieces may be, there is something innovative and different going on. Sure there are grey areas but then themes to emerge - societal problems, our love for materialism , the idea that we humans can escape but our nature does not let us be free. The term liminal spaces is apt for this collection.
Honestly there's nothing like this. I understand it is a cliché but, I honestly cannot find anything to compare these stories with. They exist in their own universe and I'm glad they do. I can see After the Sun getting different reactions from readers but I think if one just accepts all the weirdness then understanding what's happening is better.
txgan_jo's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
chillcox15's review
4.0
4.5 stars __ I'll always love when a book is waaaaay weirder than expected: sucking and fucking cabana boys, amongst other things. I listened to this in a fugue state while moving and that felt right.