Scan barcode
sarrocco's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
5.0
Intersection of Edward Gorey and Italo Calvino
jenzun's review against another edition
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
sarahjjs's review against another edition
4.0
4.5- It felt like daydreaming during a nightmare and I absolutely loved it! I don't really go for too many macabre novels (because they are generally trash) but when done well they have often become my all time favourite novels. I reeeeaaalllly liked this.
giantarms's review against another edition
4.0
One of those weird English books where terrible things happen but the narrator is just too positive-thinking and accepting of misfortune to get too worked up about it. But then, after tragedy upon tragedy, somehow, a happy ending. I didn't know how the author would do it. A lot of times they just kind of end the book and leave you thinking "oh, well I suppose ambiguity is fine" but not this time! Read until the end and you'll practically get those satisfying little subtitles they put at the end of 80's ensemble madcap comedy films.
theodoraa_m's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
brodiemarshall's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Miscarriage, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
jenrosy's review
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
sregitnig's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this was going to be weirder/more twisted that it was so I was left a little underwhelmed. I liked the premise though.
jessreadthis's review
5.0
I absolutely did not anticipate loving or enjoying this book as much as I did. The description seemed so macabre and if it wasn't a book club choice with me being a dutiful member, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. However, it turned out to be such a treat to read. I had no idea Barbara Comyns could be so funny. There were several scenes she crafted with wicked wit and absurdity which elicited a bark or two of laughter. I love when an author can make me laugh out loud.
This is the story of the eccentric Willoweed family who is ruled by their outrageous and atrocious Grandmother. Grandmother refuses to set foot on land that isn't her own and proceeds to make her directives known from the tower of her house. Her dreamy, selfish son, Ebin fritters away his time on the baker's wife and other fanciful notions in his study. His children Emma, Hattie, and Dennis enjoy leading an uncivilized life under the erstwhile tutelage of their father. The story unfolds when a sickness occurs in the village, causing madness and death. The book comically and poignantly at times, reveals how the family and villagers cope with the sickness and the aftermath.
I found this to read like a folktale at times. Mythic and yet simply told. However, Comyns uses symbolism and imagery in the tale, along with tongue in cheek observations. I was completely entertained.
This is the story of the eccentric Willoweed family who is ruled by their outrageous and atrocious Grandmother. Grandmother refuses to set foot on land that isn't her own and proceeds to make her directives known from the tower of her house. Her dreamy, selfish son, Ebin fritters away his time on the baker's wife and other fanciful notions in his study. His children Emma, Hattie, and Dennis enjoy leading an uncivilized life under the erstwhile tutelage of their father. The story unfolds when a sickness occurs in the village, causing madness and death. The book comically and poignantly at times, reveals how the family and villagers cope with the sickness and the aftermath.
I found this to read like a folktale at times. Mythic and yet simply told. However, Comyns uses symbolism and imagery in the tale, along with tongue in cheek observations. I was completely entertained.