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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed this book. Even though she is a pretty despicable person and a very unreliable narrator, I loved Rosalinda's voice. She reminded me of a crueler version of Hyacinth Bucket from one of my favorite shows, Keeping Up Appearances. I actually laughed out loud quite a few times while reading, which is rare for me.
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book gives new meaning to the term control freak. Bronsky has such a unique, fresh voice - she is fast becoming a favourite.
Sometimes funny, sometimes tragic, the story slides along without much guidance, from one quirky incident to the next. I found the tone puzzling and the narrator's charm wore thin long before her strange tale finished.
This book is hysterical. Not necessarily in a laugh out loud kind of way but in a smart, cutting, understated way. Rosa is one of those narrators who is just so awful, but captivating at the same time. Bronsky did such an amazing, admirable job developing this character. I loved how self-absorbed Rosa is and the way I had to wonder what was actually happening as opposed to what Rosa is telling us is happening.
Started strong and had me laughing out loud, but then slowed down and I skimmed the second half.
funny
fast-paced
One can only wonder to which extent this book is actually autobiographical, despite the fact that the narrator is the grandmother.
The skillful mix of humor and tragedy is so typical to Eastern Europe/Russia, and the grandmother's attitude, in her excess, her self-confidence (even when she's wrong), and in her love, rings so true that this is absolutely amazing.
Definitely a read that will stand out among this year's.
The skillful mix of humor and tragedy is so typical to Eastern Europe/Russia, and the grandmother's attitude, in her excess, her self-confidence (even when she's wrong), and in her love, rings so true that this is absolutely amazing.
Definitely a read that will stand out among this year's.