Reviews

A House and Its Head by Ivy Compton-Burnett, Francine Prose

alicehr's review against another edition

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4.0

An unusual way of writing, worthwhile reading only for this. While witty and sly, at times difficult to put aside, it awoke no further feelings than interest.

mtillstaff's review against another edition

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4.0

A book about awful people being awful to each other is not necessarily enjoyable, but I cannot help but marvel at the sheer audacity and originality of Compton-Burnett's style and voice. Home is where the horror is in her world.

michaelwalek's review against another edition

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5.0

I adored this twisted, genius novel.

mochii's review against another edition

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2.0

mess!!

featherbooks's review

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4.0

It took me about 40 pages to get into this but I finished it very much impressed by the irony, humor and superb writing. Compton Burnett is described as Cubist, experimental and innovative, all of which is true. She manages to tell an entire story with defined characters simply through dialogue. She's an acquired taste and I am ready to read more of her tales of the mannered upper-class Edwardians as well as Spurling's biography.
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