Reviews

Permafrost by Eva Baltasar

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styxis's review against another edition

2.0

A successful suicide, these days, is heroic. The world is full of unscrupulous people certified in first aid; they're everywhere, gray and unassuming like female pigeons but aggressive like mothers. They foil death with cardiac massages and careful Heimlich maneuvers. They're a pack of thieves. You can't even ram an olive pit down the wrong tube without them forcing you to spit it out, even if they break ribs or puncture lungs in the process.

DNF at 31%.

I won't finish this book. The reason is not because it's sad and depressing but because I just can't connect with the protagonist and her life at all.
Additionally, every other chapter, sentence, metaphor and simile seemed very random and out of place. Perhaps I missed some deeper meaning behind those written words but I just can't bring myself to care about the story and its characters. For these reasons, I'm putting it down.

garbagecookie's review against another edition

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dark funny sad 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

4.0

mmll's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

Content Warnings

lovecraphtian's review against another edition

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dark funny reflective 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

3.0

fanni_b22's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective medium-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

Content Warnings

stuffrandom548's review against another edition

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dark funny reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I think the most enjoyable parts of the book was the writing style (even though a translation, I give props to the attempt at carrying over the almost poetic quality to the work) as well as the narrators voice. I feel I could enjoy this book more than others that focus on similar themes as the story was delivered in a way that never felt too meandering while also remaining metaphorical and pretty(?).

Perhaps what made it more enjoyable to read and digest as well was the clear humour in some aspects of the book. Again, I feel what makes it more of an enjoyable read is how well-balanced all the different tones and nuances are. Not to mention the short chapters make it really easy to stay motivated to get reading!

Think you'll like this one Anna, hope ur happy with the review -_-