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inkdrinkers's review against another edition
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.0
I've always been curious about the other characters in popular stories. I love when retellings humanize the ugly stepsisters in Cinderella, or give depth to the household in Beauty and the Beast so I was curious to read about Geppetto's journey as he sought out Pinocchio.
I think the Swallowed Man is fascinating from a literary standpoint. Carey really took time and care to craft a story that made logical sense as Geppetto descended into madness. I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author and it was full of theatrics and little quirks that I think only he could have narrated. Unfortunately, I think the story was too bogged down in Geppetto's madness and grief. Most of the text after the first two chapters exclusively deals in thought spirals as he questions his life, his treatment of his son, and his own father's treatment of himself.
I will say I quickly downloaded the text copy to flip through and look at all the illustrations and art I missed while listening. They were interesting to tie into the story, but I almost preferred the ghastly things my own mind came up with. (The ill-faced boy I pictured was far, far more horrifying)
Overall, I think if you like an occasional literary descent into madness this is your cup of tea. Otherwise, you could probably skip it and never lose sleep over the loss.
I think the Swallowed Man is fascinating from a literary standpoint. Carey really took time and care to craft a story that made logical sense as Geppetto descended into madness. I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author and it was full of theatrics and little quirks that I think only he could have narrated. Unfortunately, I think the story was too bogged down in Geppetto's madness and grief. Most of the text after the first two chapters exclusively deals in thought spirals as he questions his life, his treatment of his son, and his own father's treatment of himself.
I will say I quickly downloaded the text copy to flip through and look at all the illustrations and art I missed while listening. They were interesting to tie into the story, but I almost preferred the ghastly things my own mind came up with. (The ill-faced boy I pictured was far, far more horrifying)
Overall, I think if you like an occasional literary descent into madness this is your cup of tea. Otherwise, you could probably skip it and never lose sleep over the loss.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Mental illness, Child abuse, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders
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