Scan barcode
A review by wellworn_soles
Slade House by David Mitchell
3.0
David Mitchell has a gimmick, and the gimmick is writing multiple short stories and wrapping them in a grander narrative to make one novel. It’s not a bad gimmick; I actually quite like it. Now that I’ve read 3 of his books, however, I can establish it as a pattern, and it does make some of his stronger works ([b:Cloud Atlas|49628|Cloud Atlas|David Mitchell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1563042852l/49628._SX50_.jpg|1871423]) lose a bit of their luster. If the organization of Cloud Atlas (for example) is less a purposeful artistic decision and more the only technique he can manage, it’s a little disappointing. But I digress.
I honestly quite enjoyed this story. The connections of the stories were enjoyable, and I quite liked all of our character perspectives. Towards the end it felt a little silly or on the nose, but it has that ghost story feel to it, so I didn’t really mind. This novel has no pretensions of being anything higher than a fun, slightly spooky romp, and it succeeded. 3.5/5 stars.
I honestly quite enjoyed this story. The connections of the stories were enjoyable, and I quite liked all of our character perspectives. Towards the end it felt a little silly or on the nose, but it has that ghost story feel to it, so I didn’t really mind. This novel has no pretensions of being anything higher than a fun, slightly spooky romp, and it succeeded. 3.5/5 stars.