kirstenwis's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I get why people like Alice Munroe, and I know a lot of her writing is intentionally about the beauty in everyday moments and people. But some of these stories were IMPOSSIBLY boring. Several were great. But overall, just not a collection for me to love. Be ready for some slow moments in this one.
drummond's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
emmacolon's review
3.0
this def wasn't my favorite book ever, but it was okay. simple and thoughtful. some good meditations on the mundane moments of life.
read for contemporary women writers class.
read for contemporary women writers class.
mschaff's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thegrandnarrative's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
_jelifish's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
At first, I was unsure how I felt about the writing and short story format, but I found myself enjoying this book as I read through each story. I’d definitely want to pick it up again later and read it more carefully. Reading this, I felt like Munro captured these unnameable feelings and thoughts I’ve had in life which was comforting.
jenn_stark's review against another edition
3.0
great storytelling, a few favourites among the stories, the rest were meh.... not generally fond of stories that revolve around affairs. but a neat insight into life in this area in decades past.
itsmebee's review against another edition
3.0
If you are interested in writing short stories, then I highly recommend reading this book. Each story takes a moment in a person’s life where either everything changes or they deny the change and forever wonder about it. Munro’s plotting and craft are remarkable. I especially enjoyed Pride, Gravel, and Amundsen.
Unfortunately Canada in the 1950s just doesn’t interest me terribly much! It’s funny to see how the time these stories were written probably influenced them - all about the same length, first or close third person, etc. Glad I read it overall.
Unfortunately Canada in the 1950s just doesn’t interest me terribly much! It’s funny to see how the time these stories were written probably influenced them - all about the same length, first or close third person, etc. Glad I read it overall.