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riverss's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Infidelity, Misogyny, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
laedyred's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This was a let down. The first third/half of the book I would give a solid 3/5. Paasilinna writes a dry sort of humor that entertains the reader as they ask, "what the fuck is going on." Things are random and ridiculous in a great way, almost a parody of some aspects of Finnish culture. Paasilinna's absurdist style shines. That was short lived. The rest of the book gets a 0. There's profuse misogyny and sexism, Vatanen's naive charm is replaced with asshole behavior and alcoholism, seemingly out of nowhere. A section is devoted to making fun of Americans, Swedes, and Brazilians. The book becomes horribly boring. The "grand adventures" of Vatanen turn into mundane tasks, the points of which are elusive. The last two chapters allude to this all being some great reflection on life, promoting Vatanen as a kind of hero. There's nothing to back this up. Paasilinna's point was lost, if there was one intended at all. I really wanted to like this, but I am disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Sexism, and Alcohol