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sophieguillas's review against another edition
2.0
I loved the concept and some of the writing was interesting but I had zero idea what was happening or who was talking 90% of the time.
nonlinearpaolo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
candibunny's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
justinkhchen's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
I'm usually down 'out-there' novels that explore the boundary of written word storytelling, but I might have found my boundary with The Box Man; the reading experience was like watching an arthouse film — where you know you should be moved and impressed, but instead you find yourself disengaged and completely at loss.
Perhaps I simply wasn't in the mood for a stream of consciousness narrative — where provocative vignettes remain broken, circling in its own loop, and never build towards a coherent whole.
There are still foundational elements I thoroughly enjoy: the formation of the Box Man is extremely well-realized, and the discussion on being the observer, vs. being observed, is very intriguing. I even appreciate the fragmented narration, up to a point. Oh, and there are some beautiful prose to be found here.
I'm usually down 'out-there' novels that explore the boundary of written word storytelling, but I might have found my boundary with The Box Man; the reading experience was like watching an arthouse film — where you know you should be moved and impressed, but instead you find yourself disengaged and completely at loss.
Perhaps I simply wasn't in the mood for a stream of consciousness narrative — where provocative vignettes remain broken, circling in its own loop, and never build towards a coherent whole.
There are still foundational elements I thoroughly enjoy: the formation of the Box Man is extremely well-realized, and the discussion on being the observer, vs. being observed, is very intriguing. I even appreciate the fragmented narration, up to a point. Oh, and there are some beautiful prose to be found here.
sha's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
2.5
I don’t think I’m smart enough for this book yet.
tom84629's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
opossumble's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kateofmind's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nicholasw's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sebniv's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5