Scan barcode
andrew61's review against another edition
3.0
In this very darkly funny story we meet two larger than life , memorable characters in freda and Brenda employees in the said factory where Italian wine is bottled.
Living in their bedsit they sleep in a bed divided by books and recount their adventures in the factory where Brenda is harassed by one senior italian employee and freda pursues another.
The trip that is organised to Windsor great park takes on a very dark aspect with almost farcical results.
An enjoyable read from a brilliant writer.
Living in their bedsit they sleep in a bed divided by books and recount their adventures in the factory where Brenda is harassed by one senior italian employee and freda pursues another.
The trip that is organised to Windsor great park takes on a very dark aspect with almost farcical results.
An enjoyable read from a brilliant writer.
teaganpotter's review against another edition
1.0
Perhaps the humor went over my head, but I didn’t find a glimmer of a laugh throughout this novel. It was difficult to keep any of the characters straight on top of being pretty poorly written. I’m not sure what the Booker Prize saw in this one.
rollerskate's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Death, Sexual assault, and Body shaming
carmellea's review against another edition
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
sarah1984's review against another edition
3.0
23/2 - I don’t really know what to make of this book. It was a quick read, it only took me a few hours to read. I found both main characters completely unsympathetic – Brenda was weak, lazy and seemed completely unable to find any joy or happiness in her life. Freda was cold and unsympathetic towards Brenda, often mocking her and calling her a victim, she is also prone to odd fits of laughing or unnecessary violence. I don’t think I really understood the deeper themes of the book, as I know from reading the Amazon website reviews that other readers give it five stars and call it a “delicious black comedy” and an “excellent portrayal o f the down side of life”. I did not get any sense of humour from it, in fact I had no idea until I read the reviews that it was meant to be comedic at all.
bent's review against another edition
1.0
One star always seems a bit harsh, but I really didn't like this book. I didn't like the protagonists, I didn't find the story that interesting, and when the big event happens, I didn't buy it. Freda is too much, Brenda is too wishy-washy and the other characters are just kind of there. I found myself counting down the last 40 pages or so until the end. Really disappointing.