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craftyemma's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A lonely and, somewhat depressed, librarian finds someone has spent the night in her section of the library and proceeds to have a long, one-sided monologue about her love of the Dewey decimal system, a hatred of her colleagues and her love/hate relationship with books.
I couldn't be sure who she was talking to - human or maybe even a stray cat? One thing is for sure, she doesn't trust anyone, only her beloved books and indulges in her fascination over Martin, a library regular that she has an uncomfortably obsessive occupation with.
Written in one long monologue, with no paragraphs or chapters, this novella is somewhat of an enigma. It made me think, it made me cringe, but mostly importantly, it kept me hooked.
I couldn't be sure who she was talking to - human or maybe even a stray cat? One thing is for sure, she doesn't trust anyone, only her beloved books and indulges in her fascination over Martin, a library regular that she has an uncomfortably obsessive occupation with.
Written in one long monologue, with no paragraphs or chapters, this novella is somewhat of an enigma. It made me think, it made me cringe, but mostly importantly, it kept me hooked.
lindcherry's review against another edition
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
katykelly's review
4.0
I don't think I've ever read an entire book that consists only of stream-of-consciousness speech of one character.
It's a great idea, especially as in this book it's a library assistant/librarian - my own role.
A librarian discovers a man who's been locked in her library basement all night and talks to him. About herself, her secret crush on a researcher, her thoughts on life, the Dewey Decimal system. As you do. It's very funny at times as well as educational!
The style is quite refreshing, though lack of paragraphs makes it hard to find places to pause. But as its only 92 pages that's hardly a problem.
It's a French translation and very nicely done. But for the references to French culture you may not think its set lord side of your own country.
I hope other library staff read this but also a wider readership - it's quite enlightening on the library system in places.
It's a great idea, especially as in this book it's a library assistant/librarian - my own role.
A librarian discovers a man who's been locked in her library basement all night and talks to him. About herself, her secret crush on a researcher, her thoughts on life, the Dewey Decimal system. As you do. It's very funny at times as well as educational!
The style is quite refreshing, though lack of paragraphs makes it hard to find places to pause. But as its only 92 pages that's hardly a problem.
It's a French translation and very nicely done. But for the references to French culture you may not think its set lord side of your own country.
I hope other library staff read this but also a wider readership - it's quite enlightening on the library system in places.
bannerheldhigh's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
sophiee1's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
littlemissgemreads's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jenrkeeling's review against another edition
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A charming novella showing a fondness for books and libraries.
lamv98's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0