Reviews

Hotel Splendid, by Marie Redonnet

hannicogood's review

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3.0

It’s a dark take on the everyday monotony of a woman trying keep a hotel on the edge of a swamp from totally disintegrating. It has elements of gothic, as well as plagues of biblical proportions. Also not much of a plot. But it still manages to be compelling.

bllplank's review

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dark mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

ric's review

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reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

melcarr's review

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.5

gibsramm's review

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dark funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

piccoline's review

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5.0

What a marvelously-wrought gem. Mysterious, hypnotic, and just the right length. Of course you never really know with a translation, but Redonnet seems to have a very poetic gift. I'm excited to read more. (As of 11/8/11 this book, and her _Nevermore_ and _Candy Story, are all on massive sale at University of Nebraska Press. (I think the discount code is "SALE75" or something like that. Or look under the "Bargain Books" link.)

I guess the novel is somewhat indescribable, since I didn't describe it much. Three aging sisters in a hotel their grandmother built in the swamp. And the swamp is winning, as swamps often do.
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