Reviews

Todas as famílias são psicóticas by Douglas Coupland

prairiegirl1974's review against another edition

dark funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

trin's review against another edition

3.0

I’ve started reading a lot of [author: Douglas Coupland] lately, all out-of-order so I’m getting a really schizophrenic view of how his writing has evolved. So far, the only pattern I’ve been able to establish is: earlier stuff—told in 1st person, somewhat plausible narrative; later stuff—told in 3rd person, completely fucking insane. This book falls into the latter category and while, like a lot of Coupland’s work, it’s nutty and implausible and kind of scattered, it was a blast to read and I found it oddly touching. (Though it didn’t rock me as much as the end of [book: Microserfs]—God.) This book—which involves a one-armed astronaut, a family of middle class Canadians with AIDS, Prince William’s last letter to Diana, and a couple of Florida baby-harvesters—reflects reality while being completely divorced from it. It’s neat. *g*

salgalruns's review against another edition

3.0

This was the first book of Douglas Coupland's that I read, and am willing to read more but was not overly impressed. Parts of the story were hysterical but I lost interest partway through the book. I mean, seriously. This many things cannot happen to one family.

katykelly's review against another edition

5.0

Absolute zany mayhem! I wondered to start with if it was for me... then revelation after revelation. Jaw drop after jaw drop. Crazy family member after... you get the idea.

I thought MY family was nuts. They just don't measure up to the Drummonds. While their daughter Sarah (a thalidomide baby) prepares for her first space mission, her family all gather in Florida, ostensibly to watch her take-off, but other plots take them in strange and hilarious new directions.

To reveal much about the plot would really be to spoil it. I'm glad I came to this knowing nothing at all about it. I will say that Sarah's brothers - recently-jailed Wade and Brian (and his vowel-less girlfriend Shw), her dad (and trophy wife) and mum - all take on a role in the completely crazy family story.

This just kept piling on the madness, I acutally laughed out loud at some twists and turns. This would make a wonderfully crazy film, with some juicy little character roles.

I liked the structure, though it took a little getting used to. We follow the present timeline and then suddenly are taken back in time to the Drummonds' earlier lives (both the three children's childhood and that of their parents'). A little confusing at first, but it did fall into place.

I really, really recommend this if you like dark humour, lots of craziness, funny family stories and a nice surprise. Enjoy!

le_steff's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

4.5

jacksontibet's review against another edition

1.0

Not at all good. Terrible. Cringe-inducing dialogue, absurdly unrealistic premises, not funny, not serious, not anything.

ellyburke's review against another edition

emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

bahar325's review against another edition

5.0

My FAVOURITE book ever!!! Still is after a year. It’s like Shameless in a book but Canadian. Complete and utter chaos. Absolutely hilarious. Douglas Coupland found a way to make me both love and hate every character at the same time. When I read the first 10 pages I knew I would love it. Without a doubt.

And I didddd!!!!!!!

bbm_bby's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny reflective fast-paced

5.0

alex60517's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective medium-paced

• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse