Scan barcode
A review by lectrixnoctis
Returning to Carthage by Ben Sharafski
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In his spectacular new short story collection, Israeli-Australian author Ben Sharafski explores the dramas creeping under the surface of ordinary life in suburban Sydney in six intertwined stories. Passionate, open, and at times disturbing, "Returning to Carthage" does not shy away from dealing with the significant issues: love, loss, betrayal, family bonds and the skill of living.
Thank you, Ben Sharafski, for sending me an advance copy of your book in exchange for an honest review!
Most of the stories are written in the past tense, with even a few flashbacks to older days or someone's life in the past. The writing style is quite detailed and may not be for everyone, but I did enjoy it immensely.
However, this book is not without flaws, and some parts of the book left me feeling a bit weirded out. I thought that the only purpose of women in the first few stories was their relationships with their male counterparts and was only described by their physical appearance. It felt superficial only to use women as a part of belonging/treasure. I am nonetheless grateful that portraited changed in the upcoming stories. That is why I had particular issues with the first story, and I think it is below the other stories' standard of content and writing.
I would recommend this book since the topics are quite important and how it is described excellent, but if you're not really into challenging issues or even short stories, this book is in for you.
TW: Cheating, Loss, Grief, War
Thank you, Ben Sharafski, for sending me an advance copy of your book in exchange for an honest review!
Most of the stories are written in the past tense, with even a few flashbacks to older days or someone's life in the past. The writing style is quite detailed and may not be for everyone, but I did enjoy it immensely.
However, this book is not without flaws, and some parts of the book left me feeling a bit weirded out. I thought that the only purpose of women in the first few stories was their relationships with their male counterparts and was only described by their physical appearance. It felt superficial only to use women as a part of belonging/treasure. I am nonetheless grateful that portraited changed in the upcoming stories. That is why I had particular issues with the first story, and I think it is below the other stories' standard of content and writing.
I would recommend this book since the topics are quite important and how it is described excellent, but if you're not really into challenging issues or even short stories, this book is in for you.
TW: Cheating, Loss, Grief, War
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Grief