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A review by stevo1977
The Standing Chandelier by Lionel Shriver
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A well-crafted, mildly heart-breaking tale. A bit of a slow start, but the character development really pays off and I ended up reading it in almost a single sitting. This is my first Lionel Shriver book and I am quite impressed; she packed so much character and insight into such a short novella.
I see others saying that the central question of the story is "can a man and a woman be 'just friends'?", and I have to say I strongly disagree with that reading. Certainly the issue is literally present in the story, but I think it's more about the social perceptions of Baba and Frisk and the rationalizations they make for their relationship choices.
I see others saying that the central question of the story is "can a man and a woman be 'just friends'?", and I have to say I strongly disagree with that reading. Certainly the issue is literally present in the story, but I think it's more about the social perceptions of Baba and Frisk and the rationalizations they make for their relationship choices.