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3.24 AVERAGE
3.24 AVERAGE
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
Here’s the thing about this book: it’s about everything and nothing all at once. It’s weird and might seem like it’s going nowhere, but it’s so wonderful. Reading some of the low reviews and the high reviews, it’s clear this is one of those books some people really don’t like and some really love.
It’s a pretty short book at just about 250 pages but I could not read quickly. I had to take my time with this one to fully absorb each chapter. It’s not that it’s hard to understand, just a bit odd and bulky, if that makes any sense. At its simplest, it’s a historical family saga, an immigrants’ tale of hard work and acceptance. And at its quirkiest, it’s about a possibly nonexistent country, talking dolls with personality, a changeling and magical gingerbread.
I can’t really describe anything that happens in this book without ruining prospective readers’ experience, so I’ll say this book surprised me. It was so easy to become enthralled in this world, but it didn’t come across as weird or strange. It’s just the way it is. Keep an open mind and let the words sing to you. I re-read many lines because it was easy to get lost in the words and miss the actual story movement. Oyeyemi has this way of interspersing commentary on society, politics and race in subtle ways, as well as nonchalantly throwing in pop culture references. It might seem jarring because at times it feels like the story takes place a hundred years ago but also right now.
While some might find the writing style confusing and lack of major plot lines frustrating, I had no problems following the story. It’s not quite linear but it all makes sense. I haven’t read much magical realism and this is my first Oyeyemi book (although I’ve owned Mr. Fox for years and never got around to reading it). I always thought magical realism wasn’t for me, but I’m rethinking that.
I don’t agree with the odd descriptions saying this is some sort of Hansel and Gretel retelling. I didn’t get that vibe other than this reading like a folk tale of sorts, but it’s clear it was the basis of some inspiration, especially in the first part of the story (the gingerbread girls section).
It’s a pretty short book at just about 250 pages but I could not read quickly. I had to take my time with this one to fully absorb each chapter. It’s not that it’s hard to understand, just a bit odd and bulky, if that makes any sense. At its simplest, it’s a historical family saga, an immigrants’ tale of hard work and acceptance. And at its quirkiest, it’s about a possibly nonexistent country, talking dolls with personality, a changeling and magical gingerbread.
I can’t really describe anything that happens in this book without ruining prospective readers’ experience, so I’ll say this book surprised me. It was so easy to become enthralled in this world, but it didn’t come across as weird or strange. It’s just the way it is. Keep an open mind and let the words sing to you. I re-read many lines because it was easy to get lost in the words and miss the actual story movement. Oyeyemi has this way of interspersing commentary on society, politics and race in subtle ways, as well as nonchalantly throwing in pop culture references. It might seem jarring because at times it feels like the story takes place a hundred years ago but also right now.
While some might find the writing style confusing and lack of major plot lines frustrating, I had no problems following the story. It’s not quite linear but it all makes sense. I haven’t read much magical realism and this is my first Oyeyemi book (although I’ve owned Mr. Fox for years and never got around to reading it). I always thought magical realism wasn’t for me, but I’m rethinking that.
I don’t agree with the odd descriptions saying this is some sort of Hansel and Gretel retelling. I didn’t get that vibe other than this reading like a folk tale of sorts, but it’s clear it was the basis of some inspiration, especially in the first part of the story (the gingerbread girls section).
It's rare you find a story that incorporates elements of the lesser known folk tales, like Hansel and Gretel and gingerbread, so I'm really glad I found this book! Helen Oyeyemi is a great writer. Read my full review here: https://robyntocker.weebly.com/gingerbread.html
I can’t pick up the plot. Is there one? I wanted to try something out of my comfort zone, but I’m not particularly interested in continuing with this one.
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced