Reviews

Company by Shannon Sanders

khopeisz's review against another edition

3.25

I finished this one because it was ably written (Mote stood out as the best written; the details were delicious and the characters were intriguing). However, a few issues. 1) the women in this collection were sexualized beyond necessity. I mean one remark in one short story is nothing but all compiled, it got to be annoying. 2) hardly any of the cast of characters were like able. They were uppity and pretentious and the only down on her luck character never got a story from her own vantage point to sort of counteract her family’s pretentiousness or redeem them in any way. I understand characters don’t have to be liked, but once again, all compounded it just got on my damn nerves. I would be interested to read more from this author as she can wield language, just needs better characterization.

melodys_library's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I don’t usually find myself unable to put down a collection of short stories. Bravo.

ckeller48's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

4.75

236girls's review against another edition

no like specific reason for dropping this when i did the premise is fun and the writing is good too! just not feeling short stories right now. note 2 me: you left off on chapter 4.

recycledwords's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 This is one of those books that grabs you by the heartstrings and refuses to let go until you've turned the last page. The short snapshots of various family members’ lives intertwine to create a detailed picture of a family who have complex relationships but nonetheless care deeply for each other, albeit from afar for some. The jealousies between the four Collins sisters leave their children in the dark about some of their family members but the love for the nieces and nephews shows that there is a lot of love still left between the sisters, though they seem to show it by caring for the younger generation rather than supporting each other directly.
Each story focuses on a different family member, giving a view into the family intricacies from every angle. This also allows each character their time to shine and it was hard not to empathise with every single on of them on some level. There are moments of darkness and moments of joy, family gatherings can be tense or full of laughter. Company was an absolute joy to read and I have no doubt I will continue to reflect on these stories in the coming weeks. 

patricia_tejer's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I loved this book! It was a cozy read. I felt so immersed

vkcwy's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

lizzierose147's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.5

Lovely, intimate portraits of a family. 
Very well written and the world building/character creation across such a large family tree was wonderful and well executed.
Similarly the range of lenses under which 'family' was viewed and scrutinised was creative abs broad.
Really enjoyable reading:) 

kleonard's review against another edition

4.0

Company is a collection of stories connected by the members of one middle-class Black family in America. It's about microaggressions and control issues, generational conflict, family relationships, and the culture of this particular family: how things are done, how hierarchies work, who capes for whom and why. Many of the stories end with humiliation or unhappiness; others simply capture moments of a life. Characters are well-drawn and filled out and Sanders has an excellent ear for dialogue and creating tension within it. It's a great book for book clubs and in-depth discussion.

mikaelarose's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Such a great short story collection, with each story weaving in and out of each other that it almost read as a novel. The cast of characters were all complex (with the short stories surrounding the same moments and characters adding to this). I loved the order, how we would popcorn with a character from a previous story into a new one. My only wish is that I wanted more, so many details could have been dug into but because it was a short story collection they were left untouched. 

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