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chriswright39's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Many of the reviews focus on the humour but I found it wildly emotional and sad.
reemap's review against another edition
4.0
Want to give it 3.5 stars! I was pretty sure I was going to give it 3 stars but the last third of the book did win me over. The author has a gift of setting scenes, often transporting you to places that are more like emotions. Piecing together the story was enjoyable, and the ending was very appropriate. I know the feeling of this book will linger with me for a while.
ellengraceward's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.0
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