Reviews

A Lucky Man: Stories by Jamel Brinkley

notesonbookmarks's review against another edition

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3.0

5 stars for the discussion. 3 for the way women are treated repeatedly in these stories.

jvord777's review

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challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

3.0

tamaralgage1's review against another edition

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1.0

First I will say this book

carmenere's review against another edition

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4.0

A Lucky Man has earned a place on the National Book Award (2018) Short List and it is clear why it was chosen.
Brinkley's short story compilation includes nine short stories which are filled with memorable characters in extraordinary circumstances. All seem to explore relationships in all their many configurations; man to woman, man to man, boys to boys, men/boys to father and mothers and also their relationship to the world around them.
The stories take you to a place unknown to many a reader but from the comfort of your easy chair you can travel to uncomfortable situations and humans which garner your empathy.

windbreak's review against another edition

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4.0

restrained ...  very beautiful

myrrhley's review against another edition

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2.0

2.5
There are some beautifully nuanced stories in here. Unfortunately, almost every one of them relegates women to the role of stiffly furthering the narrative. I'd love to read more about Sadie.

itsvikiduh's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

afdzg's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

not_mike's review against another edition

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5.0

ARC.

Jamel Brinkley can write damn well. He capitalizes on the short story's constrained amount of space by making every sentence vivid, clear, and universal in its meaning. Take your time with his words. Looking forward to future work by this author.

To re-read again for lessons: No More Than a Bubble, A Lucky Man, Wolf and Rhonda.