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rgallo'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
subtlymelancholy's review against another edition
This is probably the worst book I've ever read. I hate the way that Tom Robbins writes, it was poorly edited with entire chunks repeating themselves for no narrative reason, and the amount of mental gymnastics this author does to justify writing so much sexual assault in just the first 50 pages of this horrible book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Racial slurs, Body shaming, Transphobia, Homophobia, Racism, and Child abuse
Minor: Antisemitism
aaron444's review against another edition
challenging
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Antisemitism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Sexual assault and Homophobia
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
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