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jayisreading's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
I’d take this short reflection with a grain of salt, only because I was really not in the headspace for a novel that required the reader’s undivided attention. As the title suggests, this novel is all about details, particularly getting into the minutiae of them all. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that nothing happens in this novel, but I found that Genberg relies heavily on the reader to carefully work through the details to unravel the meaning of four impactful relationships that the narrator had. In other words, “nothing happens” in the sense that it’s not so much about having a plot, so much as it is about reflecting deeply on the people we hold close to our hearts. As a result of not being able to concentrate at the time of reading, though, I had a pretty difficult time getting through this book. I think what really didn’t help was that it had a near-absent and vague plot; even if I were in the right mood, this probably would have been my main criticism.
I can see why The Details got shortlisted for the International Booker Prize, because the writing and intention behind the novel are provocative. Unfortunately, I just wasn’t in the right headspace for this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Death of parent and Alcohol
Minor: Rape
sarahweyand's review against another edition
emotional
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
3.0
I feel a little bad reviewing here because I honestly can hardly remember anything about this book. If I remember correctly, this is a reflective slice-of-life novella where a woman is recounting some formative moments and people in her life, and it seemed to me that the novel "not being about anything" was kind of the point. It talks about themes of identity and personality...but that's pretty much all I can say. I think it was absolutely, perfectly fine.
I suppose the problem with writing a book about the minutiae of life is that while it may be beautiful, perhaps it isn't the most memorable topic.
I suppose the problem with writing a book about the minutiae of life is that while it may be beautiful, perhaps it isn't the most memorable topic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Alcohol
apthompson's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Moderate: Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Grief
faenth's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Rape, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Addiction
pandemonicbaby's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
as we walk between the stones the years pass sideways around us behind their flimsy curtains. As far as the dead are concerned, chronology has no import and all that matters are the details, the degree of density, this how and what and everything to do with who.
When I was younger I often thought I should travel more and farther, spend more time in foreign countries, that I should be in a constant state of velocity so that I could get out there and truly live, but with time I have come to understand that everything I was looking for was right here, inside of me, inside the things that surround me, in the money jobs that became my actual jobs, in the constancy of the everyday, in the eyes of the people I meet when I allow my gaze to linger.
A wonderful little book about remembering those that are or were important to us, people that shaped moments of our lives and therefore have shaped us. It reminds me of that quote from a tumblr blog that said something along the lines of "we are a mosaic of the people that we have loved." I think that is very much true. We seep into eachother, shaping one another in irreversible ways. Did you know that the bacteria you inherit from kissing someone can change your gut flora forever? This impact we have on eachother is intrinsic not only to human nature, but to life itself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Rape, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Minor: Pregnancy
This book's last chapter includes a character that suffers from an anxiety disorder throughout her life, caused by a traumatic event in her past (rape).thewoodlandbookshelf's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Death of parent, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
aitiite's review against another edition
dark
reflective
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? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Death of parent
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