soph2962's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
_inge_'s review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sassou's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
constanzazu's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
Esta mujer sabe contarte vidas enteras en un cuento. Historias fuertes que te dejan reflexionando de la vida, del amor, de la familia. Me gustó, pero no se me hizo lectura ligera.
jessicawells5722's review against another edition
2.0
This story was brought to my attention from a very good friend of mine. We first watched the movie together and then it evolved into choosing to read the novella it was created from.
Boy, this book/movie is an absolutely wild story to say the least lol. I recommend watching the movie first before the book because it’s only 60 pages and goes very fast. I feel like if I didn’t watch the movie first, I wouldn’t have been able to keep up with the book.
Also, the movie adaptation is really freaking spot on from this novella lol. I was impressed by that.
Read this if you want to hear about how two lady friends get with each other’s sons.
Boy, this book/movie is an absolutely wild story to say the least lol. I recommend watching the movie first before the book because it’s only 60 pages and goes very fast. I feel like if I didn’t watch the movie first, I wouldn’t have been able to keep up with the book.
Also, the movie adaptation is really freaking spot on from this novella lol. I was impressed by that.
Read this if you want to hear about how two lady friends get with each other’s sons.
ladamic's review against another edition
The third story, about the slow decay of a city state, was the most interesting. Though I couldn't get into the last story, the first three made me think I should pick up more books written by women in their 80s.
violet_cat's review against another edition
4.0
Have only read the first story, may read more later.
crabbygirl's review against another edition
4.0
my first doris lessing. after watching 'Adore' on screen and learning it was based on a Lessing short story/novella, i just had to read it! the plot of the story is just about the same as the novel, but - in print - the story is one moment, framed by the envy of a waitress that has seen this family come and go and has always wished to be a part of them. a great point of view as the scene deteriorates when the newly-learned truth is shared with both the other wife, and the grandmothers. a fine pivot point that lets the whole of the story be told without immediate judgement and distain because, afterall, it is already done and the punishment delivered.
the book also contains 3 other stories and i really enjoyed the sci-fi type one as well as the one titled: Victoria and the Staveneys. the author moves the point of view from one character to another and keeps it there - changing the point of the story and keeping you off balance. Lessing write a long, rich description of the sea journey during the war in 'A Love Child' but other parts of the story were sterile in comparison.
the book also contains 3 other stories and i really enjoyed the sci-fi type one as well as the one titled: Victoria and the Staveneys. the author moves the point of view from one character to another and keeps it there - changing the point of the story and keeping you off balance. Lessing write a long, rich description of the sea journey during the war in 'A Love Child' but other parts of the story were sterile in comparison.