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chloeknight's review against another edition
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
Minor: Child death and Death
alisonburnis's review against another edition
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.
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
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
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.
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.
jimmylorunning's review against another edition
4.0
Barbara Comyns has a fine imagination. I enjoyed this book, which was very warm and full of humor and quirks, despite the gruesome deaths.
baki's review
adventurous
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
funaek's review against another edition
4.0
My first Comyns! She has such an interesting writing style. She confidently breezes through the plot and characters, without making any dramatic pauses or slowly drawing out secrets. Look forward to reading more from Comyns.
katrinelinden's review against another edition
5.0
I completed this book in a few hours and found it absolutely splendid. Comyns' way with words is unique and I found myself mesmerised by how simple and yet elegant she paints pictures in my mind.
The book is less about the 'madness' and more about the Willoweeds, and yet I do not mind. I managed to be touched by several deaths and enjoyed Emma and Hattie's lives in a large house with a beautiful garden filled with peacocks and ducks.
The book is less about the 'madness' and more about the Willoweeds, and yet I do not mind. I managed to be touched by several deaths and enjoyed Emma and Hattie's lives in a large house with a beautiful garden filled with peacocks and ducks.
sgibbs98's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
meruoss's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This is such a fun and thoughtful read