Reviews

Such a peculiar work! My first experience with Comyns was [b: Our Spoons Came from Woolworths|1818286|Our Spoons Came from Woolworths|Barbara Comyns|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1477246630l/1818286._SY75_.jpg|893588], which, while certainly admirable in its depiction of autobiographical events, was so unrelentingly depressing that it wasn't an enjoyable read. Who Was Changed... is dark, to be sure, but is also an engrossing page-turner. Comyns mixes the classic English countryside satire novel with elements of horror and thriller to it, forming a work unlike anything I've read before. The turns come suddenly, the writing is concise but cunning—I really don't know how to describe this, to be honest, but if the jacket summary sounds interesting, just give it a read.

klimts15thchild's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

**4.5
Something weird and gothic that I needed

Content Warnings

_rosie_reads's review against another edition

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dark lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

chloeknight's review against another edition

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dark mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

Content Warnings

alisonburnis's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I picked this up because I heard someone mention the comic village reminded them a bit of I Capture the Castle, my favourite book ever. I see that - though it’s a very slight background feeling. This is a tragically hilarious novel, a fine example of black comedy.

In the village where the odd Willoweed family lives, a flood ravages the place. In the aftermath, an epidemic of madness seizes a number of villagers, who end up dying. And during all of it, the Willoweed family squabbles with one another. Grandmother Willoweed rules the roost, while Ebin, her son, longs to get away from her, after ten years of living home after he was fired. His eldest daughter Emma, is a dreamer, while his other children, Dennis and Hattie, are occasionally homeschooled but mostly not.

There’s not a huge amount of plot here, the story is winding and strange through a season of rebuilding. The villagers are each one odder than the next, and very colourful. This is such a strange little novel, but honestly quite enjoyable.

rpmirabella's review against another edition

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4.0

A mean, disturbing novel . . . that I loved quite a bit! Barbara Comyns is a treasure. I can't wait to read more of her novels. I liked this one a little less than the Vet's Daughter, because I felt little connection to anyone in this one. I think that's due to the fairy tale style. The POV roams around, landing here and there, never lingering on one character for too long. There are horrifying images that surprised me. A pointy book that sputters a bit at the end. Definitely worth reading if you like Shirley Jackson, Edward Gorey (seriously), Angela Carter, or even Chekhov.

rpmirabella's review

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5.0

My second read of this book.
I think I am in the right place now. I just really loved it this time. I enjoyed it the first time, too, but I'd read it after The Vet's Daughter, which made this seem heartless by comparison. But this is a very different animal to Comyns' other work. This has more in common with myth, or books like SULA or the work of James Purdy. Mean and dark and ghastly. AND funny.

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