lovelyliterary's review against another edition
1.0
Actual rating 1.75 stars
I had to read this novel for a 20th century British Lit course, and I was thoroughly confused. I *think* I get what Self was trying to do here, but the execution was off for me. The book is probably 50-100 pages too long; there are just pages upon pages of fruitless narration.
The italicized Christmas 2001 sections were pointless, I felt, up until the actual last page, where we discover who was narrating and what that means. I felt lost throughout all these passages, and had no clue what was going on. Yes, thats the point of fiction sometimes, but usually there are hints or foreshadowing or even red herrings as to what’s going on. But there was nothing. I think Self could have done a better job at making those sections more understandable to the reader sooner on.
I had to read this novel for a 20th century British Lit course, and I was thoroughly confused. I *think* I get what Self was trying to do here, but the execution was off for me. The book is probably 50-100 pages too long; there are just pages upon pages of fruitless narration.
The italicized Christmas 2001 sections were pointless, I felt, up until the actual last page, where we discover who was narrating and what that means. I felt lost throughout all these passages, and had no clue what was going on. Yes, thats the point of fiction sometimes, but usually there are hints or foreshadowing or even red herrings as to what’s going on. But there was nothing. I think Self could have done a better job at making those sections more understandable to the reader sooner on.
chronicreader96's review against another edition
3.0
Rounded down from 3.5 ⭐️
A family member let me borrow this book, it’s the first novel I have read by Will Self. It follows Lily bloom as she deals with end-stage cancer, and dies. It then continues to follow her through death beyond.
The first section of the novel wasn’t enjoyable for me. I find Self’s writing style a little tricky to get on with. There’s no doubt that he’s a very intelligent man, but the long intellectual ramblings often left me feeling lost. I also really really did not like Lily bloom (in fact I don’t know if I’ve ever disliked a character quite so much). To start with I wasn’t certain I’d be able to finish, but I’m glad I persevered.
I really enjoyed the concepts that Self came up with for the afterlife. When it got to this part of the book I struggled to put it down! It was so original and captivating, I just wanted to consume it all! I particularly loved the Christmas 2001 sections once I realised what they were about.
Unfortunately, I feel the book lost a little of its mojo towards the end. But I will always remember it for its unique ideas. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before!
A family member let me borrow this book, it’s the first novel I have read by Will Self. It follows Lily bloom as she deals with end-stage cancer, and dies. It then continues to follow her through death beyond.
The first section of the novel wasn’t enjoyable for me. I find Self’s writing style a little tricky to get on with. There’s no doubt that he’s a very intelligent man, but the long intellectual ramblings often left me feeling lost. I also really really did not like Lily bloom (in fact I don’t know if I’ve ever disliked a character quite so much). To start with I wasn’t certain I’d be able to finish, but I’m glad I persevered.
I really enjoyed the concepts that Self came up with for the afterlife. When it got to this part of the book I struggled to put it down! It was so original and captivating, I just wanted to consume it all! I particularly loved the Christmas 2001 sections once I realised what they were about.
Unfortunately, I feel the book lost a little of its mojo towards the end. But I will always remember it for its unique ideas. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before!
mistrum_crowe's review against another edition
2.0
I honestly don't know what to say about this overall. I don't feel I can really say either way whether this is a good or bad book. I guess if you're looking for a "clever" book or you like Will Self, then yeah I could recommend this. Otherwise I'd probably give it a miss.
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