Reviews

L'altra Eszter by Magda Szabó, Bruno Ventavoli

paradaisboi's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny reflective relaxing sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jack_wilson's review against another edition

challenging dark 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

3.0

artemisadam's review against another edition

emotional funny slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I struggled with the book’s pacing. Pithy moments of very unique bits of sardonic humour were squashed between longer moments of doll which didn’t really do much for me. 
 Very atmospheric novel, providing a very unique insight into growing up in Hungary under communism in the 50s.

unculturedswinehart's review against another edition

3.5

I'm not quite sure what to think of this book. I think I liked it? Wish I could give half stars since 4 seems a bit too high, but 3 is definitely too low.

joyful_'s review against another edition

dark emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

avidreadr's review against another edition

4.0

Szabo’s power lies in drawing you in, making you feel uncertain about the world you’ve found yourself in, yet unable to stop reading. The writing jumps often in setting and tone, sometimes within the same paragraph. The book is dictated to a “you” and this is interesting because identity is such a huge core of this book. Will we be able to love and forgive Esther, like she so greatly desires, for who she truly is by the end of this dark and grisly tale?

I hope to re read this and all of Szabo’s works one day. Understanding builds with every re-read, particularly in this novel.

The fawn may not be my favorite Szabo, but it is extremely worth the read

dorisiraly's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

skbooker's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny reflective tense slow-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

3.5

anna_0319's review against another edition

Uni reading is becoming increasingly time consuming and this was a library loan that expired on the 26th. I’m buying this when my semester ends so I can read it carefully. 

livay's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25