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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
Calvino is one of my favorite authors. His style is descriptive, yet vague, and this book shows off his versatility in all types of writing within a confined space. His prose is some of my favorite. He’s a master of listing and colons spawn every few sentences.
This book is not for everyone, of course. I think only people who enjoy long winded, convoluted, and theoretical discussion of literature and science in a story will like this. Every story is different, and the timelines of the main character don’t match up. Time moves in an arbitrary manner. Calvino dares the reader to throw any belief out the window and take a whimsical voyage with him.
My favorite thing about Calvino is that his writing is collaborative. He always put forth that while he wrote the story, he wanted the reader involved in the creation. His vague points allow an entrance for the reader into the text.
I guess my only gripe is sometimes I’m not always able to throw off all my sense of the world. And that can throw me out of the story. In one story we can go from dinosaurs talking in one line to that dinosaur stepping onto a train car.
This book is not for everyone, of course. I think only people who enjoy long winded, convoluted, and theoretical discussion of literature and science in a story will like this. Every story is different, and the timelines of the main character don’t match up. Time moves in an arbitrary manner. Calvino dares the reader to throw any belief out the window and take a whimsical voyage with him.
My favorite thing about Calvino is that his writing is collaborative. He always put forth that while he wrote the story, he wanted the reader involved in the creation. His vague points allow an entrance for the reader into the text.
I guess my only gripe is sometimes I’m not always able to throw off all my sense of the world. And that can throw me out of the story. In one story we can go from dinosaurs talking in one line to that dinosaur stepping onto a train car.
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
If you like collections of fictional short stories influenced by mathematical and scientific concepts; while Calvino’s works are at times confusing and complex, they can be also deeply thought-provoking. He has a unique way of diving into and elaborating on the briefest of moments.
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
I adore Calvino’s writing and his imaginative mind. And I adore Qfwfq, the narrator of the majority of these stories. What a life he’s led. Most stories begins with a scientific blurb, article, or quote. And Calvino totally spins it on its head and writes a dreamy poetic story that gives us insight into a version of the universe lived and experienced by dear Qfwfq. There were some stories that felt like a bit of a slog to get through, admittedly. And part of me was a bit distracted at times by things that took place in some stories that completely contradicted things that took place in other stories. But I don’t believe that Calvino meant for this to be a seamless narrative. They are a bunch of short stories written over the course of several years and published separately, to be fair. If you like science and science fiction these stories won’t disappoint you.
Very cool and very much a product of the 1960's. While I enjoy psychedelia, I'm not as big a fan of postmodernism. The stories within are certainly enjoyable, written with style, and are an interesting combination of metaphor, myth, and science. Fundamental forces are personified and natural events are the often accidental result of the aspirations, dreams, or interactions of godlike beings in this collection of shorts. There were beautiful and profound moments but overall it felt like the sweet daydreams of a psilocybin enthusiast which maybe is exactly what you're looking for. These stories could get a little on the overly fanciful, airy-fairy side of things. I think they would make a great animated cartoon in the vein of René Laloux.
A collection of short stories is hard for me to read in one sitting.
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective