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aliena_jackson's review against another edition
3.0
I’ve wanted to read this for years. I’m glad I finally did.
gj377's review against another edition
2.0
This book's cover jacket describes it as melancholic and witty... Well, the melancholy I get. The wit, perhaps lacking?
Night Boat to Tangier stages two men waiting in the ferry port at Algeciras, waiting for the daughter of one of the men to appear, in a very Waiting for Godot-esque fashion. As they wait, the narrative dips back into the past, detailing stories about the men, and how they came to be in this place.
My problems were two-fold. One, this book has no dialogue punctuation . So, while this lends an almost ethereal quality to the book (you are maybe not always sure if someone is speaking, or merely reminiscing), I firmly believe that speech marks were created for a reason. More damningly, none of the characters are likeable. The two old men are the worst of it, but they paint none of the supporting characters in a particularly flattering light either. So I just didn't really care...
Some turns of phrase were very poetic, but not enough to keep me engaged. Have a read if you care about the ramblings of two drug-addled old men.
Night Boat to Tangier stages two men waiting in the ferry port at Algeciras, waiting for the daughter of one of the men to appear, in a very Waiting for Godot-esque fashion. As they wait, the narrative dips back into the past, detailing stories about the men, and how they came to be in this place.
My problems were two-fold. One, this book has no dialogue punctuation . So, while this lends an almost ethereal quality to the book (you are maybe not always sure if someone is speaking, or merely reminiscing), I firmly believe that speech marks were created for a reason. More damningly, none of the characters are likeable. The two old men are the worst of it, but they paint none of the supporting characters in a particularly flattering light either. So I just didn't really care...
Some turns of phrase were very poetic, but not enough to keep me engaged. Have a read if you care about the ramblings of two drug-addled old men.
kt_clover's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
djr100's review against another edition
4.0
Not what I expected at all.... This was a quick, snappy read that was for me, thoroughly enjoyable and a new author to follow as well!
I love character driven books and this was certainly that. Maurice and Charlie came to life for me.
4 big stars.
I love character driven books and this was certainly that. Maurice and Charlie came to life for me.
4 big stars.
doritobabe's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
Random library pick. I gave this book a 3.5 on my first posting, but now, several weeks later, I find myself thinking of it and it's atmosphere. I think it is safe to say that I liked it a lot more than expected and can round my rating up to 4/5 stars.
Lit-fiction with a dark comedy blend. Speaks a lot to family and legacies therein. Read this if you liked Trainspotting, Requiem for a Dream.
Random library pick. I gave this book a 3.5 on my first posting, but now, several weeks later, I find myself thinking of it and it's atmosphere. I think it is safe to say that I liked it a lot more than expected and can round my rating up to 4/5 stars.
Lit-fiction with a dark comedy blend. Speaks a lot to family and legacies therein. Read this if you liked Trainspotting, Requiem for a Dream.
thepoisonwoodreader's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bpicillo's review against another edition
2.0
A mix of Beckett and Hemingway. Good dialogue between the two main characters but really didn't care for the story overall.
lucas81w's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
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
1.0
The book begins with a captivating darkness that draws readers in, promising an entertaining journey. However, as the narrative unfolds, it gradually loses its charm, descending into tedium and losing its grip on the reader's interest.
lucas81w's review against another edition
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
1.0