vhop's review against another edition
3.0
It's not easy to rate a collection of short stories. Some of these stories were very good and inspiring, but some went straight over my head... I like the everyday wisdom in Shields' books, but I must confess that at times I was even bored with this book.
kickpleat's review against another edition
2.0
I found this collection of short stories pretty uneven. The good ones were very good but the others I just skimmed. I can recall 3 stories that were beautifully written and packed with resonance, however I was so glad when I made it through this slow moving collection and could return this back to the library.
relf's review against another edition
3.0
Carol Shields--what a wonderful writer! She was clearly having herself some fun when she wrote these short stories. Some have silly premises that put me off a bit, but all contain some real gems of prose.
ninatw's review against another edition
4.0
This was a beautiful collection of short stories by one of my favourite authors. The presentation of abstract conecpts mingled with quotidian details was thought-provoking and unusual, and sprinkled throughout with Shields' genius imagery. There were a couple of stories I didn't love due to the plots, which is the only reason it's not a 5 star, but the beauty of a book like this is that you can dip in and out, and hopefully find a few gems. Some of my favourites were 'Weather' and 'New Music'. Would definitely reccomend!
emilypauw's review
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
arnie's review
2.0
I loved The Stone Diaries, Larry's Party, and Unless, but I didn't like much of this book of stories. Most of these were not short stories, but short fables: the couple who lived without mirrors, the time meteorologists went on strike and there was no weather, the queen who could tolerate nothing. Not up to her past writing.
More...