The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
rnmcfarlane's review
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
adelaideandastro's review
2.5
I enjoy short story compilations by design, that you can return to them over the span of weeks.
At points, however, I didn’t know whether I’d return to Ordinary Matter. The blurb gave quite a misleading impression of the content, and several stories felt like they were prematurely cut-off while the author was just warming up. I enjoyed the premise of a handful of stories, especially when the links to the Nobel Prize winners and their research was clear.
At points, however, I didn’t know whether I’d return to Ordinary Matter. The blurb gave quite a misleading impression of the content, and several stories felt like they were prematurely cut-off while the author was just warming up. I enjoyed the premise of a handful of stories, especially when the links to the Nobel Prize winners and their research was clear.
moontan17's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Thoughtful, evocative and intense. So many of these stories left me winded with their beauty, hopefulness and, at times, an undercurrent of menace. Stunning.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
booksbecreads's review
3.0
"You want to be as smart as you can, my father told me when i was a girl in Colorado. As brave as you can. As trustworthy and honest. You can never be too much of any of those things"
I would have loved this book more if the stories were directly linked to the women scientists or the discoveries they made, two women made breaking discoveries around insulin which has forever changed my life.
I did find the writing beautiful.
I would have loved this book more if the stories were directly linked to the women scientists or the discoveries they made, two women made breaking discoveries around insulin which has forever changed my life.
I did find the writing beautiful.
keepingupwiththepenguins's review
3.0
Let’s be clear: the stories in Ordinary Matter aren’t about the women who won the Nobel Prizes, or even necessarily the work they did to win them. Instead, the stories are inspired by them, often only tangentially related to their discoveries. Without the link highlighted by the winner’s name and commendation appearing at the beginning of each story, you’d probably never make the connection. Overall, Ordinary Matter is a mixed bag, but the premise alone will be enough to draw you in.
My full review of Ordinary Matter is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of Ordinary Matter is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
paulineisreading's review
3.0
Ordinary Matter is a collection of 20 short stories that draws inspiration from female Nobel Prize winners and their works within the Science field. The first story opened up with Marie Curie, the 1903 winner all the way to the last story which closed with Frances Arnold, the 2018 winner. Some stories are based solely on these women and their lives however the majority are very loosely connected to an element or two, involving completely different fictional characters.
The premise of the book is certainly original and interesting. A number of the stories look at the simpler, everyday events that are close to reality while others are more inventive and told from really unique perspectives. The notable highlights for me are those that are more contemporary - namely ‘Witnessing’ and ‘Something Close to Gold’. There’s no doubt that Elvery’s writing is beautiful. She’s one of those writers that have a quiet way in telling a story that would really draw you in.
I did, however, struggle to wrap my head around the timelines of some of the stories and it felt a bit jumpy at times. I found it difficult to keep up with which period the stories are set in as they didn’t match with the prize winning year, and whether the stories are set in the present, past or future. I think i would’ve found it helpful if the timeline was laid out clearer in each story - but that could just be me though, i haven’t heard the same comment from any other reviewers!
Though this one wasn’t my favourite collection, it’s still well worth adding to your list - especially if you’re a fan of short stories.
The premise of the book is certainly original and interesting. A number of the stories look at the simpler, everyday events that are close to reality while others are more inventive and told from really unique perspectives. The notable highlights for me are those that are more contemporary - namely ‘Witnessing’ and ‘Something Close to Gold’. There’s no doubt that Elvery’s writing is beautiful. She’s one of those writers that have a quiet way in telling a story that would really draw you in.
I did, however, struggle to wrap my head around the timelines of some of the stories and it felt a bit jumpy at times. I found it difficult to keep up with which period the stories are set in as they didn’t match with the prize winning year, and whether the stories are set in the present, past or future. I think i would’ve found it helpful if the timeline was laid out clearer in each story - but that could just be me though, i haven’t heard the same comment from any other reviewers!
Though this one wasn’t my favourite collection, it’s still well worth adding to your list - especially if you’re a fan of short stories.
bookishmum's review against another edition
challenging
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0