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acorn_soup's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-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
3.0
halfheartd's review against another edition
2.0
A gruesome Dahl like fever drawn. A fun trip that ultimately gives you nothing in return.
2.5 stars.
2.5 stars.
loldesh's review against another edition
3.0
Lakin ne muazzam illüstrasyonlar ve açıklamaları!
İlahi Robert, hiç gülesim yoktu.
Üzülesim hele hiç.
İlahi Robert, hiç gülesim yoktu.
Üzülesim hele hiç.
honeymonster's review
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book sure is gleefully gruesome. I'm pretty sure it's not actually aimed at kids? Unfortunately, it was one of those stories where I can see where it was meant to be funny, but the jokes just fell flat for me.
belladonna_nox's review against another edition
4.0
4.5⭐
Fun, easy read, a bit gruesome. Would recommend for anyone in a bit of a reading slump, or who just likes a bit of the mildly grotesque. I found it reminiscent of Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids (but a bit more grizzly) and the style of the illustrations is like a mix of GTFGK and Tim Burton.
Fun, easy read, a bit gruesome. Would recommend for anyone in a bit of a reading slump, or who just likes a bit of the mildly grotesque. I found it reminiscent of Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids (but a bit more grizzly) and the style of the illustrations is like a mix of GTFGK and Tim Burton.
lubleu's review
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Even aged just thirteen years old, Robert Caligari is evil through and through. His favourite thing to do is kick pigs and, after a humiliating incident with a bacon butty, Robert comes to the realisation that he loathes the human race.
'There was some trouble in the house once when Robert kicked the pigs so hard that it flew (oh yes, pigs can fly, if you kick them hard enough).' (p15)
This is a short and ridiculous story but it's so well thought out. It recognises that it's a nonsensical set of circumstances so ensures that they are well-plotted and formed. The writing style is humorous and this is emphasised by David Roberts' illustrations.
'Whoever writes stuff like this is beyond the pale, he's sick.' (p5)
'There was some trouble in the house once when Robert kicked the pigs so hard that it flew (oh yes, pigs can fly, if you kick them hard enough).' (p15)
This is a short and ridiculous story but it's so well thought out. It recognises that it's a nonsensical set of circumstances so ensures that they are well-plotted and formed. The writing style is humorous and this is emphasised by David Roberts' illustrations.
'Whoever writes stuff like this is beyond the pale, he's sick.' (p5)
nwhyte's review against another edition
4.0
It's very short - only 120 pages, and half of those are a series of evocative line drawings illustrating the text. The central character, Robert Caligari, is a horrible boy who enjoys causing fatal road accidents, and comes to a suitably disgusting end (this is not a spoiler as the first paragraph says so). It is told with a certain deep and dark humour, which makes the unpleasant protagonist just interesting enough to keep us engaged. The second half is not as good as the first, with a peculiar digression into mocking local radio presenters which doesn't really work. But it is yet another fascinating insight into Baker's very peculiar mind.
pixieauthoress's review against another edition
3.0
While I loved the style of writing and the social commentary in this book, it was incredibly disturbing! I started out really enjoying the amusing narration about a strange little boy, but it became darker as the story progressed. At only 124 pages, this is a quick read, which makes the change from a bizarre tale into a rather frightening and gruesome one all the more sudden. Not only was I disturbed by the insight into the warped mind of Robert but also by the grisly descriptions of the outcome of his pig-kicking, world-hating actions. Definitely not one for children, even though this does look like it was aimed at that audience. To be totally honest, I don't know who'd enjoy this book - perhaps people who have a very warped sense of humour? Although I want to give the author credit for his superb narrative, the unsettled feeling that I had upon finishing this "gruesome masterpiece" brings down my rating somewhat. 5/10
ambermahalia's review
2.0
Ew. I'm not sure. This is really dark and not what I was expecting. Not a festive read but a brutal, gory read. Perfect if you like that sort of thing. Not my cup of tea.