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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I wanted to love this book much more than I did. It was recommended to me right after I finished "History of Wolves" (which I absolutely adored), so I was excited to read it. It didn't really pick up for me until about a quarter of the way through, and while the story and characters were compelling, I just felt like there was something missing in the overall structure and storytelling. The last quarter-ish of the book flew by because stuff really started to pick up and get exciting, and then it ended. There were definitely parts of it I really enjoyed but overall, it wasn't my favorite.
Elmet is a languid and lyrical novel, but almost too much so as most of the book felt drawn out and overly descriptive. I almost put this book down because though I was enrapt in the atmosphere and the characters, I felt that after 50 pages the prose became repetitive. However the last 50 pages were thrilling and I’m glad I kept reading. So the pacing was the real problem, the space in the middle could have been cut down or used to explore further some of the themes in the novel (power dynamics in small communities, gender roles, nature vs nurture, violence, and the dichotomy between human industry and the environment, etc). Looking forward to Mozley’s future work!
Atmospheric, filled with tension. This book is straight fire 🔥🔥
a book so hard to review as the writing and story is unique.
the entire story is different.
from the characters to the plot, from where the book started to how it finishes... it’s all strange and unique, different and a bit offputting but also enticing.
i am not sure if i liked the book because some sections where not at all what i enjoy reading but the next section was once again so well done and thoughtful that i loved it.
i also took months - not an even kidding- to read this book but that was just how i was able to read it without feeling overwhelmed.
i needed my head to be in the right mindset to be able to read about this different, violent, cold and lonely place and it’s people.
i see why people find it a fascinating book.
but it’s also very brutal and cold and distancing and abrasive that it’s sometimes hard to read.
and in many ways daniel -the box telling the story- doesn’t fit into that setting at all.
and strangely the thing that stood out to me the most is this huge muscle packed father that’s more or less an enforcer and has this very feminine son and doesn’t care at all but is happy that his son is who he wants to be.
all in all?
i think it’s well worth the read.
it takes you to a different place and introduced very different people and a way to life.
but it’s also not a book for everyone.
it can be too grading i would think.
it also mentions a lot of violence - physical beatings, sexual assault and rape, more then one death and murder.
some graphic descriptions of killing and if you are sensitive to any of that?
this is not the book for you.
but if you can read it, i think it’s worth a try.
the entire story is different.
from the characters to the plot, from where the book started to how it finishes... it’s all strange and unique, different and a bit offputting but also enticing.
i am not sure if i liked the book because some sections where not at all what i enjoy reading but the next section was once again so well done and thoughtful that i loved it.
i also took months - not an even kidding- to read this book but that was just how i was able to read it without feeling overwhelmed.
i needed my head to be in the right mindset to be able to read about this different, violent, cold and lonely place and it’s people.
i see why people find it a fascinating book.
but it’s also very brutal and cold and distancing and abrasive that it’s sometimes hard to read.
and in many ways daniel -the box telling the story- doesn’t fit into that setting at all.
and strangely the thing that stood out to me the most is this huge muscle packed father that’s more or less an enforcer and has this very feminine son and doesn’t care at all but is happy that his son is who he wants to be.
all in all?
i think it’s well worth the read.
it takes you to a different place and introduced very different people and a way to life.
but it’s also not a book for everyone.
it can be too grading i would think.
it also mentions a lot of violence - physical beatings, sexual assault and rape, more then one death and murder.
some graphic descriptions of killing and if you are sensitive to any of that?
this is not the book for you.
but if you can read it, i think it’s worth a try.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really recommend Elmet. It features awesome characters, beautiful descriptions, a dream-like atmosphere and a plot that you don’t realise has grabbed hold of you until it blows up in your face.
Read my full review on my blog:
http://www.50ayear.com/2018/04/15/12-elmet-by-fiona-mozley/
Read my full review on my blog:
http://www.50ayear.com/2018/04/15/12-elmet-by-fiona-mozley/
It took a bit for this to catch up to me, I must admit. For the first two-thirds, or so, I was thinking, "I don't get the fuss." But, that changed. I love Danny so much my heart could burst.
4.5
4.5