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toniclark's review against another edition
4.0
Yes, no, yes, no, yes, no. . . can't decide. The way these characters muse on their lives is probably very true to life for most of us. But it wasn't exactly enjoyable reading. I best liked the story called "French Lesson I: Le Meurtre." Not much taken with the title story, "Break It Down."
[Update:] Until I heard it read by James Salter on The Guardian Podcast. Now I'm in love with it.
[Update:] Until I heard it read by James Salter on The Guardian Podcast. Now I'm in love with it.
samantha_shain's review against another edition
5.0
This book was spectacular. Each story conveyed a mood in a way that only good short stories really can. Sometimes reading them feels like watching improv - sense of surprise and sponteneity. However, Davis stops short of being lush, exaggerated or self indulgent in her writing. Many of the stories were austere and depict loneliness bordering on paranoia. I loved that most stories were short, 1-3 pages long, perfect for before bed reading. Nothing was out of place. It was an excellent read and I’m glad I got an edition with 3 more volumes!
sloatsj's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this - the book that introduced me to Lydia Davis. I think her style and voice are marvelous.
isayhieveryday's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
buer's review
4.0
I finished this a while ago and never got around to reviewing it, so please excuse me for the short, less detailed review.
I did not love every story in this book, but each was a really lovely portrait into a very different kind of person.
I don't think that all of these pieces are long enough to even be considered short stories. I think some of them are more accurately described as micro-fiction, which is kind of lovely. Davis gives us tiny, intense doses of people.
Definitely worth reading.
I did not love every story in this book, but each was a really lovely portrait into a very different kind of person.
I don't think that all of these pieces are long enough to even be considered short stories. I think some of them are more accurately described as micro-fiction, which is kind of lovely. Davis gives us tiny, intense doses of people.
Definitely worth reading.
saff24's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
h1914's review against another edition
4.0
“I thought that since I was better, my therapy should end soon. I was impatient, and I wondered: How did therapy come to an end? I had other questions too: for instance, How much longer would I continue to need all my strength just to take myself from one day to the next? There was no answer to that one. There would be no end to therapy, either, or I would not be the one who chose to end it.”