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zavey's review against another edition
2.0
You know when a book is un-put-downable? Well, this book was the opposite, it was un-pick-upable. I had a hard time reading this. It wasn't particularly complex or difficult, if anything quite simple. There were some nice lines scattered in there, but wasn't worth it really. Perhaps there was a translation issue, it did read rather clunkily. And just sort of dragged. That might have been the point, but didn't make it any easier to get through. Would hesitate to pick up another of Yan's works.
dimmie's review against another edition
4.5
I see why a lot of people DNFed it, and while I understand the criticism that it drags on too long, i wholeheartedly disagree. the first half of the book is filled with whimsical, beautifully grotesque language, so much so that at times I had to write my annotations on sticky notes, for i had run out of space in the margins. it's not for everyone, but it's gorgeous; and the ending is incredible. i was only gonna give it 4 stars at most until around 250 pages in, but now i'm easily sold on at least 4.5. would definitely recommend if you know you enjoy reading a book even when there's no plot in sight for half the story and like to take your time pondering on the intricate language.
lastmohik's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ranok's review against another edition
3.0
Very pretty language, a very well-translated book. In terms of a story, it is wandering and dream like, which was the point, but a bit tedious. Perhaps as an American, I didn't find it ban-worthy, but I guess we are used to making fun of our leaders, so the very subtle slights about Xi's Chinese Dream seemed obvious enough to detect, but not terribly inflammatory.
christine97's review against another edition
1.0
I didn't enjoy this book. It's not really a story - more a sequence of scenes. The writing is very repetative and I definitely get the sense that I'm missing something when it comes to the significance placed on certain elements. Not for me.
francescavhum's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A gruesome and visceral depiction of the worst parts of human nature, the greedy desire for wealth, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to reach higher echelons. But questioning the true motives of "human nature" by inserting dark, mysterious, and brutal conditions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Violence, Classism, Murder, Child death, and Death
Moderate: Body horror, Blood, and Ableism
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Suicide
kiayaa's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
connorosd's review against another edition
4.0
A very unique and wholly interesting book. The writing took some time to get to grips with but once I was familiar, I was engrossed. Setting the book across one night really brings our every single detail and Yan LianKe has a undeniable talent for drawing you in and making you feel part of the world. At times very comical as well, which was nice.
mxleigh's review against another edition
5.0
It's hard to read in one setting, not because of the language but because of what it tries to convey. A critical take--a perversion (or disclosure?) of the Chinese Dream.