hardcoverhearts's review against another edition
challenging
informative
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
2.5
kami5's review against another edition
5.0
4.5. The author likes pianists and the piano, languages bouncing off each other, and stream of consciousness style of dialogue. Also programming & technology. I enjoyed [b:The Last Samurai|190372|The Last Samurai|Helen DeWitt|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348618641s/190372.jpg|376680] when it came out but the overarching story was epic, massive, and somewhat indomitable. Here, one's able to get a lot easier access to her writing and in a more condensed form. If you're new to the author, try starting out with "The French Style of Mlle Matsumoto", which is one of my favorites in the book and a great introduction to her writing.
jpperelman's review against another edition
4.0
Short story collections can be so difficult to rate. 5 stars for Brutto and Climbers. 1 star for My Heart Belongs to Bertie. 3s and 4s for the rest.
4 stars then in total.
Probably 5 would be fair since I'd love for more people to read Brutto, and feel torn between keeping the book and finding someone to pass it onto.
4 stars then in total.
Probably 5 would be fair since I'd love for more people to read Brutto, and feel torn between keeping the book and finding someone to pass it onto.
bonnabelle's review against another edition
3.0
it just wasn't my thing! the writing was good, a story or two made me smile, but it mostly felt like eccentric rich people and/or musicians doing weird stuff for 13 stories.
faulkneribarelyknowher's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
love DeWitt’s variety on these stories…all walks of life. the different styles of dialogue in each story were fascinating to read. her command of language and languages enlivens and diversifies her characters
girljames's review against another edition
5.0
I adore this woman's work. Loosely connected short stories all about the need to make something new with a strong lacing of pain and cynicism, and Helen DeWitt's trademark ferocious intelligence.
kpdoessomereading's review against another edition
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I suspect that a second reading will increase my rating. Some stories went over my head.
tielqueen's review against another edition
4.0
Damn after I finished this book I just dove into a bunch of articles about Helen DeWitt. Wow.... Her life story is epic.. especially how she can throw out the 15 languages she knows in descending order of proficiency after English
Most of these stories went over my head until I read the articles about them, especially the ones about English people talking to each other. But it was so cool to turn to the next story and have no idea what sick shit DeWitt was going to pull next. I'm excited I'm starting here with this author, TIME FOR SOME MORE!!!
Most of these stories went over my head until I read the articles about them, especially the ones about English people talking to each other. But it was so cool to turn to the next story and have no idea what sick shit DeWitt was going to pull next. I'm excited I'm starting here with this author, TIME FOR SOME MORE!!!
maxzell's review against another edition
4.0
This was an excellent collection that I'll definitely be going back to and spending more time with. Looking forward to reading more of DeWitt's work
shogins's review against another edition
3.0
DeWitt is a crazy genius, in every way possible. Her two full length novels The Last Samurai and Lightning Rods are bizarre and hilarious and intelligent, and all those qualities are also reflected in her short stories. A particular standout was “On the Town” about an Iowan who moves to New York and lives with Benny, son of an author of cult classic children’s books. I also loved “Entourage”, which is about words and native speakers and the peculiar spending habits of a particular very rich person. A lot of it I frankly didn't get, but that's the consequence of reading the work of someone that much smarter, harder working, and more committed than you.