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sebby_reads's reviews
242 reviews
ရေသေအိုင် by လင်းခါး
3.0
The protagonist narrated or reminisced the life he had with his three closest friends. Each had their own struggles they were dealing and the problems they were trying to solve. The story started with the funeral of one of the protagonist’s friends. Right from that opening scene, the writer told the bitter truth of the struggles of the lower class youths and their families. A mixture of realistic and minimal style of writing yet it was emotionally provocative in its merely over two hundred pages. Adding a bit of laughter in their gruelling life felt like an occasional cool breeze gusting into the hot summer night to please your sweltering.
ဇီးကွက်ချောင်းတံတားပေါ်က အဝါရောင်ဝက်ဝံရုပ်အကျိုးအပဲ့လေး by ပါပီယွန်
4.0
The story is narrated by a male protagonist about his relationship with a girl while he was studying abroad. It started with the protagonist receiving approval of visa to study in England. It started with the protagonist receiving approval of visa to study in England at British Embassy in Yangon. Then from Heathrow Airport to his university campus with money for first semester and a few extra only. The protagonist met a Burmese girl who was visiting his campus and from that, a beautiful story blossomed. The girl was a few year younger than him but she’s academically brilliant and financially comfortable.
As he continued telling about his life at the university, the interwoven stories of his struggles—working part time for the school fees and his living expenses—and his relationship with the girl. It had everything; the good, the bad, and the ugly of relationship between two people of different lifestyles. They followed some literary destinations that served as the backdrop of the novels they both love. As they lived in different towns, they visited each other frequently and spent the weekend together. The girl wanted him to succeed and she helped him in his academic as well as in his financial drought. From time to time, his tedious schedule and his inferiority clashed with the girl’s pushy suggestion and help.
The story itself is entrancing and the narration is quite subtle and fast, yet tidy. It might have been only 3 stars but I really love how their story evolved and the way it ended. It was enthralling and somewhat reminiscing to read. The use of Scarborough Fair was a nice touch, too. 4 stars out of 5.
*The title of this book is referenced to An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce but nothing related to its story.
As he continued telling about his life at the university, the interwoven stories of his struggles—working part time for the school fees and his living expenses—and his relationship with the girl. It had everything; the good, the bad, and the ugly of relationship between two people of different lifestyles. They followed some literary destinations that served as the backdrop of the novels they both love. As they lived in different towns, they visited each other frequently and spent the weekend together. The girl wanted him to succeed and she helped him in his academic as well as in his financial drought. From time to time, his tedious schedule and his inferiority clashed with the girl’s pushy suggestion and help.
The story itself is entrancing and the narration is quite subtle and fast, yet tidy. It might have been only 3 stars but I really love how their story evolved and the way it ended. It was enthralling and somewhat reminiscing to read. The use of Scarborough Fair was a nice touch, too. 4 stars out of 5.
*The title of this book is referenced to An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce but nothing related to its story.
လေကိုဖမ်းလို့ တန်းချည်ခဲ့တယ် by သော်ရိုး
4.0
The story is about a guy who recently quits his job and plans to start life as a writer. It also includes about him figuring out what to do with his life, his obsession with a girl he liked when he was in high school, his other relationships, his train of thought, etc.
The storytelling was effortlessly coherent. I think the writer is pretty influenced by Haruki Murakami. Multiple use of simile to describe a situation, one’s emotions and state of mind are very similar to Murakami. I’m glad he didn’t overuse the metaphors. A few intimate scenes were there but not too graphically. It was relevantly told. There’s also a hint of magical realism the writer put it in the story. Slightly demure but the attempt was capable. Through his train of thought, he brought the readers into his chaotic mind. I really like his narrative on conversation with oneself. Very relatable.
The publishing house has given the eBook of this novel for free on their Facebook page to promote reading during lockdown period of Covid-19. I’m glad that I pick this one for first pick of June. I thoroughly enjoy reading it and will definitely be buying the original book. 3.5 stars out of 5.
*The writer’s pseudonym is the reverse-romanization (not sure if there's a proper term for this, I couldn’t find other word) of Thoreau in Burmese which I guess he got it from Henry David Thoreau as an homage or out of admiration towards his writing. Or it could be just a coincidence. “Lay Phan-Tann Chi” is kind of an idiomatic term in Burmese which means the action of actualizing the make-believe things.
The storytelling was effortlessly coherent. I think the writer is pretty influenced by Haruki Murakami. Multiple use of simile to describe a situation, one’s emotions and state of mind are very similar to Murakami. I’m glad he didn’t overuse the metaphors. A few intimate scenes were there but not too graphically. It was relevantly told. There’s also a hint of magical realism the writer put it in the story. Slightly demure but the attempt was capable. Through his train of thought, he brought the readers into his chaotic mind. I really like his narrative on conversation with oneself. Very relatable.
The publishing house has given the eBook of this novel for free on their Facebook page to promote reading during lockdown period of Covid-19. I’m glad that I pick this one for first pick of June. I thoroughly enjoy reading it and will definitely be buying the original book. 3.5 stars out of 5.
*The writer’s pseudonym is the reverse-romanization (not sure if there's a proper term for this, I couldn’t find other word) of Thoreau in Burmese which I guess he got it from Henry David Thoreau as an homage or out of admiration towards his writing. Or it could be just a coincidence. “Lay Phan-Tann Chi” is kind of an idiomatic term in Burmese which means the action of actualizing the make-believe things.
မျှော်လင့်ခြင်းကို မျှားတဲ့ညနေ by မြစ်ကျိုးအင်း
3.0
This eclectic mix of short stories collection by Myit Kyoe Inn received Myanmar National Literature Award for collected short stories in 2018. The book was prefaced by renown author, Nay Win Myint with praising the writer’s proses. With a total of 17 short stories, the theme of stories mostly reflected on working class and immigrant workers. You will also find a few essays amongst short stories and regardless of its types, you can see his brilliant work through his words. Without a doubt, he’s an avid reader as well as a diligent writer. 3 stars out of 5.
The Guys of Rangoon by Khett Zaw
3.0
This book is the current hype in Myanmar book industry. Based on the true events, the book tells the story of infamous gangster Lanmadaw Pho Tote and his rivalries in late colonial era of Rangoon. From Pho Tote’s youth to how he came to be known as the mob boss. His story intertwined with several characters from rival gangs, his followers, the officers as well as some other social elites. The importance of his involvements in Burmese economy and political scenes in those years was told vibrantly, as well.
Personally, I want a narration with better fluidity, not in grace and elegant way of writing but in an engrossing way of storytelling. It is a story about gangsters and thugs however the narrative is too monotonous. If it is not for the background events, this book won’t be a page turner. Plus points for thorough research and reference. Truly impress with that. With these, the writer could do better to mimic the life and essence of these gangsters. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
And who the hell is responsible for the book’s layout or the writer doesn’t know how to break the paragraphs? Breaking after every single line except in dialogues. Come on, you should know that ruins the reader’s pace and interest or did you just Ctr+C and Ctrl+V the facebook posts to send to the offset?
Personally, I want a narration with better fluidity, not in grace and elegant way of writing but in an engrossing way of storytelling. It is a story about gangsters and thugs however the narrative is too monotonous. If it is not for the background events, this book won’t be a page turner. Plus points for thorough research and reference. Truly impress with that. With these, the writer could do better to mimic the life and essence of these gangsters. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
And who the hell is responsible for the book’s layout or the writer doesn’t know how to break the paragraphs? Breaking after every single line except in dialogues. Come on, you should know that ruins the reader’s pace and interest or did you just Ctr+C and Ctrl+V the facebook posts to send to the offset?
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
4.0
The book told a story of Vanessa Wye and her ill-suited relationship with 27 years older man, Jacob Strane. Why ill-suited? Because she was only 15-year old when the affair began at the boarding school where Strane taught. In alternate chapters, Vanessa recounted her present (2017) and past (2000s). In the wake of #metoo movement with all the scandals and allegation of powerful men in 2017, Strane has been accused of sexual abuse by a former students.
Since the beginning, Vanessa believed it was true love. When their affair was found out, she was suspended from the boarding school whereas Strane remained teaching there. She became a total mess. She continue to delud that they had something special and kept seeing him the following years. When a journalist contacted Vanessa to be part of her article in support of another girl’s story for Strane’s scandal, she was in despair. She didn’t considered the affair as a sexual abuse. He was her first love.
The book highly referenced Nabokov’s Lolita and a few other literature and films which included the theme of relationship between a young girl and elder man. The book has also been pretty controversial, too. Through her characters, the writer argued about various aspects such as, allegation and victimhood, ages and consent, PTSD, depression, and therapy.
I almost stopped reading it as my stomach couldn’t handle it anymore at some point. The writing was concise but can sometimes be a bit too graphic. In some intimate scenes, I was so flabbergasted that I have to skip a few line. But my curiousity of ‘what will become of Vanessa?’ won over, I guess. I managed to finished it but it was a discomforting read, albeit its brilliant storytelling. 4 stars out of 5.
Since the beginning, Vanessa believed it was true love. When their affair was found out, she was suspended from the boarding school whereas Strane remained teaching there. She became a total mess. She continue to delud that they had something special and kept seeing him the following years. When a journalist contacted Vanessa to be part of her article in support of another girl’s story for Strane’s scandal, she was in despair. She didn’t considered the affair as a sexual abuse. He was her first love.
The book highly referenced Nabokov’s Lolita and a few other literature and films which included the theme of relationship between a young girl and elder man. The book has also been pretty controversial, too. Through her characters, the writer argued about various aspects such as, allegation and victimhood, ages and consent, PTSD, depression, and therapy.
I almost stopped reading it as my stomach couldn’t handle it anymore at some point. The writing was concise but can sometimes be a bit too graphic. In some intimate scenes, I was so flabbergasted that I have to skip a few line. But my curiousity of ‘what will become of Vanessa?’ won over, I guess. I managed to finished it but it was a discomforting read, albeit its brilliant storytelling. 4 stars out of 5.
လူတွေ၊ လမ်းတွေ၊ အလုပ်အကိုင်တွေနဲ့ ပတ်သက်ရာပတ်သက်ကြောင်းတွေ by ချစ်မင်းဝေ (Chucky)
4.0
A friend said this book was the most heartbreaking book he's ever read, and that got my attention as I've always been looking for sad stories. First of all, I'm very impressed and proud with the publishing house, Waingmaw Books, for what it has done with this book. There is a parental advisory label at the first page of the book, mentioning sex, drugs and explicit language are included in the book and age under 18 shall not read without parental guidance. Kudos!
The book is about a guy in his mid 20’s with drug dealing and addiction. Two third of the book is all about his day to day life with dealing drugs and how he uses the different kind of drugs. In each chapter, the character tells the stories of other people in his life—the neighbourhood drug dealer, his daily acquaintances related to his “work” and his relationship with a woman who visits him occasionally. The writer vividly told the character’s substance abuse, loneliness, and dejection which led him to serious deterioration in health and ruined his relationship with the woman.
This is another great Burmese book I’ve read recently. Similar to Linn Khar’s novel, the Dead Pond, it is such an excruciation read although this is totally different from Lin Khar’s in context wise. Chit Min Wai’s character’s struggled with his addiction, trust issue, the loud noises in his head filled with overthinking and over analyzing everything he sees or hears. It’s a small book with nearly 240 pages but I can’t read it in one sitting despite its enthralling writing. I had to put it down every now and then for I don’t want it to end and sometimes, my heart just can’t take it anymore. It was an agonizing read especially near the end. I’d give a raving 4 stars out of 5.
The book is about a guy in his mid 20’s with drug dealing and addiction. Two third of the book is all about his day to day life with dealing drugs and how he uses the different kind of drugs. In each chapter, the character tells the stories of other people in his life—the neighbourhood drug dealer, his daily acquaintances related to his “work” and his relationship with a woman who visits him occasionally. The writer vividly told the character’s substance abuse, loneliness, and dejection which led him to serious deterioration in health and ruined his relationship with the woman.
This is another great Burmese book I’ve read recently. Similar to Linn Khar’s novel, the Dead Pond, it is such an excruciation read although this is totally different from Lin Khar’s in context wise. Chit Min Wai’s character’s struggled with his addiction, trust issue, the loud noises in his head filled with overthinking and over analyzing everything he sees or hears. It’s a small book with nearly 240 pages but I can’t read it in one sitting despite its enthralling writing. I had to put it down every now and then for I don’t want it to end and sometimes, my heart just can’t take it anymore. It was an agonizing read especially near the end. I’d give a raving 4 stars out of 5.
The Illusion of Separateness by Simon Van Booy
3.0
One enthralling story intertwines with other emotional stories of different characters: a German infantryman with deformed face; a caretaker at a retirement home for actors, the American newlyweds separated by war; a lonely British film director; a blind museum curator; a lost child on the brink of starvation. Seemingly small but a single act of selflessness in a brief second by various characters has great impact on the multitude.
Lovely story with Simon’s aesthetic writing took you across several places in different time. 3 out of 5.
Lovely story with Simon’s aesthetic writing took you across several places in different time. 3 out of 5.
ဆာလောင်နေသော လူငယ်တစ်ယောက်၏ အပိုင်းအစ -၂၀ by ဖူးသက်ထား
3.0
A coming of age story of a bright and passionate young women as she struggled in the rapidly changing Beijing to pursue her dreams. At 17, Fenfang was bored of her day to day activities and wanted a change. She left her small village in pursuit of making big in a city like Beijing. Her life went from lifeless and dull to a ride through kaleidoscopic rollercoaster. Dealing with an abusive ex boyfriend, arrested by the police because of the conservative neighbours, struggle to make ends meet, etc etc and several other problems but she always come back with head held high. Although I’m a little confused about her affordability to rent an apartment and live on her own despite her menial pay.
At first, I thought the narration was somewhat drab. I wasn’t sure it was the translation or the original. However, I kept reading it as the story was getting interesting. Soon I realised that the title itself explained that these are the fragmented entries from a youth, not a full length novel. It was interesting enough to take me to the end. I only wish the publishing house had added a preface from the translator. I‘d like to read some of her book in English.
3 out of 5
At first, I thought the narration was somewhat drab. I wasn’t sure it was the translation or the original. However, I kept reading it as the story was getting interesting. Soon I realised that the title itself explained that these are the fragmented entries from a youth, not a full length novel. It was interesting enough to take me to the end. I only wish the publishing house had added a preface from the translator. I‘d like to read some of her book in English.
3 out of 5
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
5.0
With gorgeous illustrations, Charlie Mackesy gave us beautiful messages for the troubled souls through his kind and loving characters. Whether you’re eight or eighty, start from the beginning page or dip into anywhere, you will definitely enjoy this book at anytime.
The drawings are mainly of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse. They boy is always curious with questions, the mole is obsessed with cake, the fox is silent most of the time, and the horse, the kindest. Like us, they all are different and each has their own weaknesses. In fact, we can see a little bit of ourselves in all four of them.
The book aptly touches on embracing one’s vulnerability and weakness. It reminds you to live courageously with more love and kindness for yourself and for others. A very much needed book right now. I’d rate 5 out of 5.
As of today ((24 Apr 2020), Charlie has been doing tiny reading of the book on his Instagram account @charliemackesy for everyone—those staying or working at home, those essential workers supporting the community, and those those brave people fighting the Coronavirus at frontline, so do follow him for daily dose of vitamins for your soul.
The drawings are mainly of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse. They boy is always curious with questions, the mole is obsessed with cake, the fox is silent most of the time, and the horse, the kindest. Like us, they all are different and each has their own weaknesses. In fact, we can see a little bit of ourselves in all four of them.
The book aptly touches on embracing one’s vulnerability and weakness. It reminds you to live courageously with more love and kindness for yourself and for others. A very much needed book right now. I’d rate 5 out of 5.
As of today ((24 Apr 2020), Charlie has been doing tiny reading of the book on his Instagram account @charliemackesy for everyone—those staying or working at home, those essential workers supporting the community, and those those brave people fighting the Coronavirus at frontline, so do follow him for daily dose of vitamins for your soul.