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erika_is_reading's review against another edition
4.0
I usually struggle with short stories, but the owner of Skylark Bookshop did not steer me wrong; these are terrific.
pixe1's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
I've had this on hold at the library since before it was even published. I'm generally a big Eugenides fan, and [b: Middlesex|2187|Middlesex|Jeffrey Eugenides|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1437029776s/2187.jpg|1352495] has to be one of my all time faves. Plus I've read nothing but novels this fall, so some short stories were a good change of pace.
That said, I felt like the first story, which was one of the previously unpublished and more recent works, was such a snooze and I was worried I'd be left disappointed. However, once the author got "warmed up", there were some really strong pieces.
My favourites from the collection were definitely, "Find the Bad Guy", "The Great Experiment" and the titular work. That I most enjoyed the entries that involves some aspect of crime says a lot about me, but in the other stories, I felt like the plot wasn't always been driven along and they never had a wow moment that made them feel truly special.
I also felt that "The Oracular Vulva" was good, but the themes had been explored to greater effect in Middlesex, which probably isn't fair to compare but context matters. And in terms of context, there were a couple of lines about the relationships between men and women in the earlier works that just made me cringe, because they seemed like outdated, sexist ideas that weren't necessarily in-line with the "human touch" and empathy I usually expect from Eugenides.
I've had this on hold at the library since before it was even published. I'm generally a big Eugenides fan, and [b: Middlesex|2187|Middlesex|Jeffrey Eugenides|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1437029776s/2187.jpg|1352495] has to be one of my all time faves. Plus I've read nothing but novels this fall, so some short stories were a good change of pace.
That said, I felt like the first story, which was one of the previously unpublished and more recent works, was such a snooze and I was worried I'd be left disappointed. However, once the author got "warmed up", there were some really strong pieces.
My favourites from the collection were definitely, "Find the Bad Guy", "The Great Experiment" and the titular work. That I most enjoyed the entries that involves some aspect of crime says a lot about me, but in the other stories, I felt like the plot wasn't always been driven along and they never had a wow moment that made them feel truly special.
I also felt that "The Oracular Vulva" was good, but the themes had been explored to greater effect in Middlesex, which probably isn't fair to compare but context matters. And in terms of context, there were a couple of lines about the relationships between men and women in the earlier works that just made me cringe, because they seemed like outdated, sexist ideas that weren't necessarily in-line with the "human touch" and empathy I usually expect from Eugenides.
monicatdwyer's review against another edition
3.0
Idk I’m conflicted. I’ve never read a book of short stories so idk what I was expecting/ how I should feel. But his writing is sooooo good so yeah three stars
laurenpinson's review against another edition
3.0
I really loved this collection of short stories. What grabbed me most was getting a better idea of Eugenides personal experiences through seeing those repeated as places, characters, occupations and more in the stories.
drx's review against another edition
funny
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jackolidus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Disturbing at times. The characters he chooses to protest are consistently outside his demographic. Which would not necessarily be a problem if he didn’t do it in such a weird way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia
mokey4's review against another edition
I only read the first 3 stories in this book, and was starting the 4th when it was due at the library. Since there were holds on it I could not renew it, but it came as something of a relief because I did not really feel like finishing the book. I'm sure I would have if it didn't cost me anything, but it wasn't worth 25 cents per day.
I sort of enjoyed the stories I read, but they did not leave me wanting for more.
I sort of enjoyed the stories I read, but they did not leave me wanting for more.
gl_mrtnl's review against another edition
4.0
Jeffrey Eugenides' writing is my jam. I couldn't help but think how Irvine Welsh would describe someone (literally) f#@%ing a watermelon, and the contrast of how delicately Eugenides talks of topics of any kind instead. The story of Doctor Luce was a pleasant surprise and Middlesex reference.