Scan barcode
violentcello's review against another edition
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sophiei's review against another edition
4.0
Amazing work, I felt like it didn't have as much of an impact on me as her earlier work.
The thing about an evening in paradise is you know you have to leave it in the morning.
The thing about an evening in paradise is you know you have to leave it in the morning.
littlesophie's review against another edition
3.0
Mixed bag as this seems to be the b-list of her stories but when they're good - man, they're good.
touchsomegrass's review against another edition
1.0
read the first story, thought it was awful, then turned to the titular story of this collection, and it was maybe even more awful than the first one. both were the absolute opposite of interesting, both in regards to content as well to style. both were utterly bland, trite, vapid & meaningless, and i fail to see why this got published at all - oh wait, it was a money-grab. feeling actually angry that i spent minutes of my life reading this pile of garbage
campbells's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
bookalong's review against another edition
4.0
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
An Enthralling Collection!
•
I'm on a roll with story collections lately. I was eager to read this collection and it didnt disappoint. This is a follow up to her A Manual For Cleaning Women, that I still need to read.
•
Published posthumously this is a collection of 22 of Berlin's stories. She is hailed as a short story master and I tend to agree with that statement.
The stories in this collection are a bit autobiographical. While reading this I became interested in reading more about her life.
•
Through hardships her voice remains strong and humorous and real. In these stories there are characters that are real and relatable. Struggling with marriage and motherhood and the ups and downs of life in a moving and identifiable way. She is a wonderful storyteller. Its too bad she couldn't have got more recognition for her talent while she was alive.
•
Thank You to the Publisher for #gifting me this book.
An Enthralling Collection!
•
I'm on a roll with story collections lately. I was eager to read this collection and it didnt disappoint. This is a follow up to her A Manual For Cleaning Women, that I still need to read.
•
Published posthumously this is a collection of 22 of Berlin's stories. She is hailed as a short story master and I tend to agree with that statement.
The stories in this collection are a bit autobiographical. While reading this I became interested in reading more about her life.
•
Through hardships her voice remains strong and humorous and real. In these stories there are characters that are real and relatable. Struggling with marriage and motherhood and the ups and downs of life in a moving and identifiable way. She is a wonderful storyteller. Its too bad she couldn't have got more recognition for her talent while she was alive.
•
Thank You to the Publisher for #gifting me this book.
susannes_pagesofcrime's review against another edition
4.0
After finishing 'A Manual For Cleaning Women' last month I had to continue on with more of Lucia Berlin's stories. This collection provides more of the same, yet seemingly more accomplished work. Her writing stays with you due to it's autobiographical style and immediacy.
thewildgemini's review against another edition
4.0
Igual que me pasa con Sanmao y Han Kang, NECESITO MÁS.
britakate's review against another edition
3.0
I read A Manual for Cleaning Women in February 2016. I remember feeling completely immersed in it, and thinking it lived up to the significant hype it received upon publication. I was less enthralled by this collection, but that may have been circumstantial (I read it while traveling). Although the stories are short - some extremely so - they would benefit from a more sustained quality of attention than I gave them.
tyrant_flycatcher's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Reading Berlin has been like finding a stranger who used to live near your town while living abroad, and talking about the things you love and hate about that place. Huilotas, the changes to the hotels in Puerto Vallarta, the peaceful feeling of the Pacific coast. Chatty mozos, people from Guadalajara. Walking on a malecón.
But even if you both know those places and flavors, there are differences in how you interpret them. One of you was raised there, the other merely stayed in the place for some years. You frequented different social circles, had different economic means. You hold differing views of why things operate the way they do and whether they are fair. Maybe one of you never took the time to question such things.
While the places visited and the sights seen form a connection between you two, there is also a barrier that is difficult to explain in words. You are grateful for meeting this person, but you do not become close friends.
___
The stories in this book follow the motto of "write what you know" to a T. Even if the names of the characters change across the book, you can tell that she based most of these stories around certain points of her life. There are certain things you cannot fake when referring to places and people's customs. How much is real and how much is fiction is unclear, but she describes these stories with the subtle hints of someone who has experienced their hurt.
Not every story is a winner, but in general they all have something to say. Specially about the lives of women during those times, and the lingering weights that failed relationships leave with them. However, at the middle of the book a pattern in her writing becomes very apparent. A certain way of ending stories usually after an event that leaves the protagonist with a negative future outlook. Losing a house, a relapse, moving out, a possible divorce. This pattern occurred so often that I have to admit I lost a bit of interest during the last third of the book. The quality was still there, but it lost its shine.
I do not regret reading her. Learning how she experienced the same places I did in her own way. Being a witness to her incredibly tough life, and the lessons it can give. But it will take some time before I want to revisit her work. There are limits on how much you can vary the same sad tune, after all.
But even if you both know those places and flavors, there are differences in how you interpret them. One of you was raised there, the other merely stayed in the place for some years. You frequented different social circles, had different economic means. You hold differing views of why things operate the way they do and whether they are fair. Maybe one of you never took the time to question such things.
While the places visited and the sights seen form a connection between you two, there is also a barrier that is difficult to explain in words. You are grateful for meeting this person, but you do not become close friends.
___
The stories in this book follow the motto of "write what you know" to a T. Even if the names of the characters change across the book, you can tell that she based most of these stories around certain points of her life. There are certain things you cannot fake when referring to places and people's customs. How much is real and how much is fiction is unclear, but she describes these stories with the subtle hints of someone who has experienced their hurt.
Not every story is a winner, but in general they all have something to say. Specially about the lives of women during those times, and the lingering weights that failed relationships leave with them. However, at the middle of the book a pattern in her writing becomes very apparent. A certain way of ending stories usually after an event that leaves the protagonist with a negative future outlook. Losing a house, a relapse, moving out, a possible divorce. This pattern occurred so often that I have to admit I lost a bit of interest during the last third of the book. The quality was still there, but it lost its shine.
I do not regret reading her. Learning how she experienced the same places I did in her own way. Being a witness to her incredibly tough life, and the lessons it can give. But it will take some time before I want to revisit her work. There are limits on how much you can vary the same sad tune, after all.