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robyn1998's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read this in 2018 when I first came to London after picking it up in the library, and remember being so intrigued and impressed by it. It'll always have a special place in my heart. I think it's a great character study and there are so many angles you can look at it from. What struck me this time (as opposed to when I was 19 reading it) was how predatory Sophie and Richard were at times, and what a flawed but admirable character Mirka is.
miamon's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
aghostinthelibrary's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
radikaliseradgroda's review against another edition
4.0
This book did something to me, but I'm not sure what. It's a wild ride, all told in a very everyday tone. Mirka's voice is very strong, and the taxidermy is very interesting, but I haven't yet decided what I think of Sophie. Maybe her character is a little stereotypical? I don't know. Either way, the book is fantastic.
ljutavidra's review against another edition
3.0
Htela sam da ovo bude više "Sve ptice pevaju" od Ivi Vajld, ali je ova knjiga mlađa sestra "Pogrebnih običaja" Hane Kent.
livvlong's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
juup's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
pertiwi6's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
thebobsphere's review
3.5
When your reading schedule is dominated by fate (I have a TBR jar) , there are times when I think that the jar has a cruel sense of humour. Many times after a big chunky novel, a dense book crops up or a book by that same author but this time, the jar did a great job as English Animals came after a big slog of a novel. The topic is one that interested me, it was easy to read and I liked the way the book progressed.
Mirka is a Slovakian immigrant who is hired by eccentric country couple, Richard and Sophie, as an assistant taxidermist (unbeknownst to her – she thinks it’s just helping with housework). She discovers that she’s pretty good at it and develops her talent. As she fits in the household, she falls in love with Sophie. which is reciprocated. As the crush deepens it does put Mirka in an uncomfortable position and may affect her place in the household. The question is who are the real animals?
English Animals is a study of human relationships and the complexities which may arise. Each character views love differently and it makes an interesting mix. Also there are hints of racism and intolerance towards the LBGTQ+ community – not only in Britain but in Europe as well. In a way there is a nudge to Brexit but the book proves that bigotry is not only limited to one place.
The novel is not perfect, sometimes it’s a bit soap opera-ish but it’s not in great doses so that didn’t irritate me so much. I was going to be in a slump and English Animals pulled me out of it so that’s definitely a good thing.
Mirka is a Slovakian immigrant who is hired by eccentric country couple, Richard and Sophie, as an assistant taxidermist (unbeknownst to her – she thinks it’s just helping with housework). She discovers that she’s pretty good at it and develops her talent. As she fits in the household, she falls in love with Sophie. which is reciprocated. As the crush deepens it does put Mirka in an uncomfortable position and may affect her place in the household. The question is who are the real animals?
English Animals is a study of human relationships and the complexities which may arise. Each character views love differently and it makes an interesting mix. Also there are hints of racism and intolerance towards the LBGTQ+ community – not only in Britain but in Europe as well. In a way there is a nudge to Brexit but the book proves that bigotry is not only limited to one place.
The novel is not perfect, sometimes it’s a bit soap opera-ish but it’s not in great doses so that didn’t irritate me so much. I was going to be in a slump and English Animals pulled me out of it so that’s definitely a good thing.