dessa's review against another edition
1.0
Every time I think I might be okay with a child narrator, I'm wrong.
This one spoke like a college student and was a psychopath.
I'm out.
This one spoke like a college student and was a psychopath.
I'm out.
marilynsaul's review against another edition
2.0
Halfway through I had to stop. I found this book extremely depressing. I also had problems with a 12-year old girl expounding on differing Marxist theories. I understand there was a reason the author kept his characters at innocent ages yet speaking as university graduates. They were intriguing voices. But I just couldn't hack it.
lindacbugg's review
4.0
I loved this the 1st time I read it but on a 2nd reading a few years later it didn't hold up as well as I would have liked. Still overall a very good book.
jujibooks's review
3.0
Some beautiful prose, feels incredibly 80s, and I feel like I'm missing something when it comes to the value of a murderous 8-year-old narrator.
bagel_cm's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-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
3.0
moona's review
This is unfortunately, the worst book I have (tried to) read in recent memory. It is a masterclass in "purple prose", such that I cannot imagine anyone actually edited it
michaelstearns's review
3.0
Read this years ago when I was maybe reviewing books for a small journal. Had the author's collection Dream of the Wolf. Liked both, but didn't love either. A completely interesting writer, but not one to inspire warmth.
tapsandtomes's review
4.0
See full review here: http://ilayreading.com/2016/02/05/the-history-of-luminous-motion/
There’s no getting around it–it’s a dark book. Interestingly enough, Bradfield says in his ending notes that this book was written in his happiest days. I guess when you find a topic you are passionate about, it just works. The History of Luminous Motion is not a “Safe” book, though, and will challenge your mind in all its twists and freakishly dark turns. My psychologically-interested brain liked it in a fascinated way, but the emotional part of me is very fucked up at the moment.
There’s no getting around it–it’s a dark book. Interestingly enough, Bradfield says in his ending notes that this book was written in his happiest days. I guess when you find a topic you are passionate about, it just works. The History of Luminous Motion is not a “Safe” book, though, and will challenge your mind in all its twists and freakishly dark turns. My psychologically-interested brain liked it in a fascinated way, but the emotional part of me is very fucked up at the moment.
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