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asodl123's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I've been a fan of Egan since being assigned A Visit from the Goon Squad in my college American Lit course for reasons beyond my comprehension. Her way with language and plays with time and genre fascinate me immensely, and The Candy House is no exception.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse, Addiction, Cursing, Grief, Suicide, Drug abuse, Drug use, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Death, and Sexual content
minkkmuse's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
this book is so outstanding. obsessed with the intricate worlds egan weaves and the meandering paths between characters she traces. sharp, smart, incredibly funny, and deeply profound. the full cast audiobook is particularly immersive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Suicide attempt, Drug abuse, and Death
rachaelwho's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Good. Would have liked a little more story from a little fewer characters. Lulu's excellent passage felt a little lifted from Carmen Maria Machado, which feels like an odd thing to say about Jennifer Egan so maybe I'm mistaken but...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship
angelkisses's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
While each story in the collection has its unique characteristics (such as the robotic tone of "Lulu The Spy, 2032" or the epistolary structure of "See Below" -- two of my favourites) the underlying concept is woven throughout. What does it mean to be human? The classic question arising from the canon of science fiction. In this way, characters are faced with dilemmas -- usually ethical or philosophical in nature -- and we, the readers observe their resulting transformations. The voice actors added so much to this collection through their performances, I would absolutely recommend it. My personal favourite is "A Journey: A Stranger Comes To Town" featuring themes of redemption and reincarnation, following the lives of two acquaintances as their lives converge together -- and a relationship full of distrust, anger, sadness, joy and fierce loyalty comes about. Listening to this story, the words rang so true that I felt as if an old friend was recounting to me a memory of theirs. Honourable mention to "The Mystery Of Our Mother."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Sexual assault
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