Scan barcode
sophiebv's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, Medical content, Forced institutionalization, Cultural appropriation, War, Xenophobia, Violence, Sexism, Racial slurs, and Pregnancy
strawberrytheauthor's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
5.0
One of the most absurd books I’ve read. The only other book as absurd as this one is Still Life With Woodpecker which is also by Tom Robbins. After reading that book first I wasn’t sure I wanted to read any others, but I picked up this one and for some reason I loved it. Can’t tell you why and couldn’t really tell you the story it doesn’t make sense, maybe that’s the beauty of it.
Quotes:
“Well, a book about a woman with sugar-sack thumbs is bound to be a bit heavy-haded.”
“The storm reminded sissy of that creature that is simultaneously the most dangerous and most pitiful thing in Earth: a scared old man with a title.”
“If you want to change the world, change yourself.”
Quotes:
“Well, a book about a woman with sugar-sack thumbs is bound to be a bit heavy-haded.”
“The storm reminded sissy of that creature that is simultaneously the most dangerous and most pitiful thing in Earth: a scared old man with a title.”
“If you want to change the world, change yourself.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Animal death, Body horror, Blood, Ableism, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Cursing, Drug use, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Gun violence, Mass/school shootings, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Lesbophobia and Rape
gracie_gloria's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Okay, I’m deeply conflicted about this book. It has moments which ooze pure beauty, Robbins shares worldly observations which filled me with tingles. Certain parts will stick with me, such as the discussions about the concept of time, conversations between the thumb and brain, conceptualising civilisation itself. Aspects of this book are 5 stars undoubtedly.
Unfortunately, these moments of beauty do not override other choices, such as referring to the Asian character as “the Ch*nk”, misogynistic fetishisation, and so forth. It’s fair to say, this book was clearly written by a white man in the 70’s. At points it gets exhausting drudging through his seemingly self serving drivel.
With all that being said, overall I enjoyed the book. I wish that many parts were approached with the same care and respect it seems to call for. Nonetheless, if you are able to look over the moments of discomfort, I’d truly recommend this experience of a novel.
Unfortunately, these moments of beauty do not override other choices, such as referring to the Asian character as “the Ch*nk”, misogynistic fetishisation, and so forth. It’s fair to say, this book was clearly written by a white man in the 70’s. At points it gets exhausting drudging through his seemingly self serving drivel.
With all that being said, overall I enjoyed the book. I wish that many parts were approached with the same care and respect it seems to call for. Nonetheless, if you are able to look over the moments of discomfort, I’d truly recommend this experience of a novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Misogyny, and Rape
More...