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slowreadersam's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
ellensadie's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
twojays's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
4.5
hannahdilks's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
susiebee's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
biocatrina's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
kimvanness's review against another edition
3.0
A respectable first novel. Eugenides' uncensored, if perhaps exaggerated, representation of the male adolescent mind is a perfect framework for detailing the main subject matter -- the *female* adolescent. As the narrative voice and the ssubject matter could be considered inherently dichotomous, the pairing is a notable success.
Keen observation and precise detail engage the reader without feeling tedious; an inherently grisly plot is cleverly diluted by a pristine, subdued descriptive style. What could easily be a ghastly and off-putting subject is instead presented with judiciousness, allowing it to be inoffensive while still remaining true to the story and its true nature.
With the rising popularity of "shock value," I think subtlety is greatly under-appreciated in modern literature. As such, this would be an excellent work to use in teaching student writers how to address difficult, disturbing subject matter in a manner that itself is not difficult or disturbing -- a skill too infrequently seen on the best-sellers' lists these days.
Keen observation and precise detail engage the reader without feeling tedious; an inherently grisly plot is cleverly diluted by a pristine, subdued descriptive style. What could easily be a ghastly and off-putting subject is instead presented with judiciousness, allowing it to be inoffensive while still remaining true to the story and its true nature.
With the rising popularity of "shock value," I think subtlety is greatly under-appreciated in modern literature. As such, this would be an excellent work to use in teaching student writers how to address difficult, disturbing subject matter in a manner that itself is not difficult or disturbing -- a skill too infrequently seen on the best-sellers' lists these days.
jxib's review against another edition
2.0
obviously TW for mentions of suicide
well written, but weird. unnecessary descriptions of underage girls relating to their “developing bodies” which adds nothing to the overall story except for uncomfortableness. romanticises suicide and suicidal ideation as these girls are painted out to be mythical figures. this would’ve been a way better read by the girls themselves and the parents, not these boys who had like one interaction with them. beautiful descriptions, the author has a way with words and the plot has potential, however the narration and inherent social issues with the story do not allow this to shine through. anticlimactic ending, reinforces the blatant mysogonistic narrative of the book, also some weird racism sprinkled throughout the book which is so unnecessary as it has NOTHING to do with race. i would recommend this to people who have watched the movie and want more insight but there is better literature covering the topic of suicide which isn’t told through a mysogonistic lens.
well written, but weird. unnecessary descriptions of underage girls relating to their “developing bodies” which adds nothing to the overall story except for uncomfortableness. romanticises suicide and suicidal ideation as these girls are painted out to be mythical figures. this would’ve been a way better read by the girls themselves and the parents, not these boys who had like one interaction with them. beautiful descriptions, the author has a way with words and the plot has potential, however the narration and inherent social issues with the story do not allow this to shine through. anticlimactic ending, reinforces the blatant mysogonistic narrative of the book, also some weird racism sprinkled throughout the book which is so unnecessary as it has NOTHING to do with race. i would recommend this to people who have watched the movie and want more insight but there is better literature covering the topic of suicide which isn’t told through a mysogonistic lens.