christinafrancisgilbert's review against another edition
5.0
The final two stories were most memorable for me in this collection. 'Tricks' and 'Powers', though many of Munro's characters and scenarios have resonated with me.
In 'Powers', I was captured by the vulnerability of a character who has something different or unique about them that sets them apart from the crowd. It is debatable whether the character of Tessa has an ability to read the future or simply an insightful observation of people and their experiences.
Whatever it is, it turns to disability in that she is pulled into a money-making scheme by her husband-to-be and ultimately she is abandoned to a care home, losing her confidence and independence. The lies and bad intentions of others who surround Tessa and her different way of seeing things builds a story in which it is uncertain who has controlled whom.
I loved 'Tricks' for its location in an old clock shop, its intriguing male characters, Shakespearean references, specific details and motifs and the more obvious twist at the end, which made the strong plot and story narrative a winner for me.
I love Alice Munro's writing style. It is direct and presents a real vision of life from the perspectives of women but also offering omniscient comment on what it is to live life at certain ages in certain circumstances.
I will be seeking out more of Alice Munro's writing. I see parallels with Elizabeth Strout, one of my favourites who has also had tremendous success with the short story genre and interconnecting character networks.
In 'Powers', I was captured by the vulnerability of a character who has something different or unique about them that sets them apart from the crowd. It is debatable whether the character of Tessa has an ability to read the future or simply an insightful observation of people and their experiences.
Whatever it is, it turns to disability in that she is pulled into a money-making scheme by her husband-to-be and ultimately she is abandoned to a care home, losing her confidence and independence. The lies and bad intentions of others who surround Tessa and her different way of seeing things builds a story in which it is uncertain who has controlled whom.
I loved 'Tricks' for its location in an old clock shop, its intriguing male characters, Shakespearean references, specific details and motifs and the more obvious twist at the end, which made the strong plot and story narrative a winner for me.
I love Alice Munro's writing style. It is direct and presents a real vision of life from the perspectives of women but also offering omniscient comment on what it is to live life at certain ages in certain circumstances.
I will be seeking out more of Alice Munro's writing. I see parallels with Elizabeth Strout, one of my favourites who has also had tremendous success with the short story genre and interconnecting character networks.
socorrobaptista's review against another edition
4.0
Contos interessantes, nos quais é possível discutir diferentes temas bem pertinentes à contemporaneidade, como questões de gênero e buscas identitárias. Gostei bastante.
macnchz's review against another edition
2.0
I could only get through the first four stories. They were well written but just too depressing to keep me going.
kilig's review against another edition
5.0
知道這本是Julieta的原著小說後，才知道原來阿莫多瓦是門羅的粉絲。很喜歡的一本，門羅的小說總是用一個個細節編織出困境，並不是極大衝擊帶來的那種窒息感，而是持續微小的揪心感，但又覺得自己如若身處其中也會找不到辦法。
matthewchoi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Munro is a writer capable of moving through time better than anyone else
melineegout's review against another edition
4.0
This was an enjoyable short story collection. They all focused on women’s lives and the hard choices they sometimes have to make. Munro’s style is beautiful and represents perfectly the spectrum of women’s emotions and challenges.The stories were quite entertaining and their length allowed the reader to appreciate the plots and characters. My favorite thing about this book was that three of the stories (Chance, Soon and Silence) presented the same character, Juliet, at different stages of her life. However, my favorite story was Tricks which was suspenseful and had a great ending. I will definitely try to read more of his Alice Munro’ s short stories.
eososray's review against another edition
5.0
"Runaway"
I didn't like the title story very much, in fact I still don't get the point of the bloody goat in the story. I do not do well with symbolism in books though, it frustrates me to have to infer what something or someone means rather than just being able to take it at face value.
"Chance" was much better. Munro really shows her understanding of personality and thought in this one. The odd things that run through her mind in situations of stress and the emotions that the character feels are so perfect in this story, it really is Munro's forte.
"Chance" "Soon" "Silence"
Were all stories about the same woman and they were spectacular.
It is quite the talent that Munro has of making you feel for a character that you really have absolutely nothing in common with.
I guess this would be her genius, in making the humanity of us all so relatable.
"Passion"
This was my favorite story of the collection. It did not end up like I was expecting it to. Which by now I should have learned is typical of this author.
"Trespass"
This one rather came across like a mystery and then you were left wondering if any of it was true.
"Tricks"
I really enjoy these two part stories where you find out the start and the end but not a whole lot of the middle. It seems unusual to write a story that way but this one was very, very good.
"Powers"
I find it strange but I did not like either the first or the last stories in this book very much. This one is in 5 parts and I just didn't find it appealing.
I didn't like the title story very much, in fact I still don't get the point of the bloody goat in the story. I do not do well with symbolism in books though, it frustrates me to have to infer what something or someone means rather than just being able to take it at face value.
"Chance" was much better. Munro really shows her understanding of personality and thought in this one. The odd things that run through her mind in situations of stress and the emotions that the character feels are so perfect in this story, it really is Munro's forte.
"Chance" "Soon" "Silence"
Were all stories about the same woman and they were spectacular.
It is quite the talent that Munro has of making you feel for a character that you really have absolutely nothing in common with.
I guess this would be her genius, in making the humanity of us all so relatable.
"Passion"
This was my favorite story of the collection. It did not end up like I was expecting it to. Which by now I should have learned is typical of this author.
"Trespass"
This one rather came across like a mystery and then you were left wondering if any of it was true.
"Tricks"
I really enjoy these two part stories where you find out the start and the end but not a whole lot of the middle. It seems unusual to write a story that way but this one was very, very good.
"Powers"
I find it strange but I did not like either the first or the last stories in this book very much. This one is in 5 parts and I just didn't find it appealing.
mariakm's review against another edition
4.0
Much betterthan most short stories but a bit frustrating not knowing how things end. Didnt understand the last story. Liked the three with juliet best. On the whole i enjoyed this and very well written, great depth of people descriptions.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
4 STARS
I love Alice Munro's short stories. She can take a life and tell you everything within a few pages.
I love Alice Munro's short stories. She can take a life and tell you everything within a few pages.