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kp68's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 I am probably the wrong audience for this novel, reading this felt like more time than I ever needed to spend in the mind of a teenage boy.
bryce_is_a_librarian's review against another edition
5.0
Maybe the best book about the liminal moment between childhood and adolescence.
whatcarlaread's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
debr's review against another edition
4.0
David Mitchell is effing brilliant, to use the appropriate book language. It's amazing to consider this book came from the man who wrote Cloud Atlas and Jacob de Zoet. It's completely different from either of those, but absolutely magnetic as well. I have no idea what being a 13 year old is like, but I am firmly convinced Mitchell's depiction is accurate. I adored, loved, cheered for his protagonist,who is such a beautiful combination of naïveté, confusion, sensitivity and authenticity as he navigated the turmoil of adults and peers in his small world. Such a wonderful read.
hatseflats's review against another edition
1.0
Did not finish. After 53% into this novel, I decided to give up. It felt like there was no arc to the story. Oh, well, you can't like them all.
doblyatmos's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this, not really what I was expecting. Surprisingly poetic but a straightforward read. Although I'm too young to remember that early in the 80s, the book captures the monocultural, village life that I recall very well from my youth - definitely brings back how awful early secondary school life is and the social stratas between kids which are a minefield to navigate.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
jagussow's review against another edition
5.0
I hate to rate this book 5 stars given that David Mitchell stole my adolescent, moved it to the 1980s UK and wrapped it as the core of this book. His theft aside, the artistry and beauty of this book are beyond reproach. Highly recommended
wckedmara's review against another edition
4.0
Much more of a FULL story than you would expect. I found myself bored in the first 10 pages and almost put it down, but then -- like always -- David Mitchell interjected something so strange that I was entranced. I was so entirely transported to Black Swan Green and to the anxious mind of our adolescent narrator that I'd be blinking away the scenery every time I had to put the book down. Excellent!
marypmcg's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content