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rereader33's review
1.0
A disappointing collection of insanely short stories. Most made little sense or required combing every finite detail to get something out of it. Sorry, I shouldn't have to pay attention to every microscopic detail for a story to be entertaining; it should be entertaining on its own, discovering extra details should be an added bonus. "Karate Chop" was the only good story out of the 15 presented (that says a lot) but I wouldn't say it's worth seeking out this collection to read. I know the reviews on the back say it was "disturbing" or "each story packs a punch," and maybe they do for others, but just writing about mundane things or serious topics in a morose tone doesn't make them disturbing or pack a punch. I wouldn't recommend this collection, but considering all the glowing reviews it got, I doubt my opinion really matters.
ljutavidra's review against another edition
1.0
Okej, jedna lekcija koja proizlazi iz ovoga je da mi se baaaaaš, ali baaaaaš ne dopadaju skandinavski pisci.
Izvini Dorte. Nije do tebe, do mene je. (A bogami i do tebe je malo.) (Malo više.)
Izvini Dorte. Nije do tebe, do mene je. (A bogami i do tebe je malo.) (Malo više.)
ikristinaj's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
joannaautumn's review
3.0
I think I mentioned before that I am mostly indifferent when I have to rate a short story collection so I often settle for a 3 if it has a few good stories and some, well, less than good stories(read bad).
The tone of this book is darker than most short story collections I read so far, but the language is simple and the topics are everyday subjects (or maybe every other week type of subject). You have to read it to see if you like the writing style definitely, it’s also short so try it out.
As for my ratings for individual stories:
1 star: surprisingly, none was this bad
2 star: Do you know Jussi? ; Mutual Destruction; Female killers; Hair Salon; The Heron;
3 star: The big tomato; Duckling; Nat Newsom; Mother, Grandmother and Aunt Ellen; She frequented cemeteries
4 star: The Wadden sea
5 star: The Buddist; Winter garden; Flight; Karate chop.
All in all, I will check out another Nors book that I have in my library and probably not reach for her again. As for this collection 3/5.
The tone of this book is darker than most short story collections I read so far, but the language is simple and the topics are everyday subjects (or maybe every other week type of subject). You have to read it to see if you like the writing style definitely, it’s also short so try it out.
As for my ratings for individual stories:
1 star: surprisingly, none was this bad
2 star: Do you know Jussi? ; Mutual Destruction; Female killers; Hair Salon; The Heron;
3 star: The big tomato; Duckling; Nat Newsom; Mother, Grandmother and Aunt Ellen; She frequented cemeteries
4 star: The Wadden sea
5 star: The Buddist; Winter garden; Flight; Karate chop.
All in all, I will check out another Nors book that I have in my library and probably not reach for her again. As for this collection 3/5.
sujuv's review
4.0
Lovely, pithy but fully formed stories by a Danish author (translated into English, obviously). Well worth the short amount of time it will take you to get through this slim volume.
3wilcotroad's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
sausome's review
4.0
These stories are very short, but very succinct, often piercing, perceptive, and sharp. Because they're so short, they require a certain kind of concentrated attention to truly appreciate, but once you're in the groove, you slip right through them.
pearloz's review
2.0
Okay. I get it. There's something about this book that irritated me, it felt like the author was equating brevity with seriousness. Partly, I'm certain it has to do with my feelings about short-short stories in general, but there was a palpable sense of preciousness I loathed.