lifeinpoetry's review against another edition
1.0
DNF after the story of the middle-aged man having an affair with a younger woman. Reading his thoughts as he treated her terribly and couldn't even talk himself into seeing her as a three-dimensional person was offputting. It was bad enough that one of the previous stories was about another middle-aged man sleeping with one of his housekeepers (or secretary?). Not in the mood to read about older men sexually taking advantage of vulnerable people, especially when they're bog-standard stories.
sarahc3319's review
3.0
Some glorious passages-- she is a master of expressing inner thoughts-- and two stories just about killed me, one with laughter and the other with a disturbing surprise twist. A hard one to recommend, but short story fans will find worthwhile nuggets, with patience.
sdepina10's review
2.0
I found out about this book on a list of "most anticipated books of 2014" and can only say that it was a big disappointment. While there is evidence of authorly craft, this books struck me as blah with no hard edges to grab onto, no grit to chew on, no voice to remember. Having just put this book down, I've already forgotten it.
jennicakes's review
2.0
Love the first two stories, then got tired (no matter what time of day I was reading) and just wanted it to be over.
To be fair, had I spread this book out over a period of time, I'm sure I would have had a more positive reaction to these stories, which are so full of beautiful prose. Too many of them followed the model of:
1. I'm not going to tell you what this story is about
2. But you will require clues, so I am going to catalog a bunch of dour details and negative emotions
3. I'm using second person narration, ARE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE YET?
4. BIG REVEAL!!!!
So maybe I should read one of her novels, because she is clearly a major talent, but I am not keen on her use of this form.
To be fair, had I spread this book out over a period of time, I'm sure I would have had a more positive reaction to these stories, which are so full of beautiful prose. Too many of them followed the model of:
1. I'm not going to tell you what this story is about
2. But you will require clues, so I am going to catalog a bunch of dour details and negative emotions
3. I'm using second person narration, ARE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE YET?
4. BIG REVEAL!!!!
So maybe I should read one of her novels, because she is clearly a major talent, but I am not keen on her use of this form.
helenmcclory's review
Stories of poignant silences, half-done gestures, failures small and irreversible.
Reading these stories is like following a line of chains leading into the sea. You aren't sure if you want to be slowly submerged. But you pick them up anyway and let yourself be led.
Reading these stories is like following a line of chains leading into the sea. You aren't sure if you want to be slowly submerged. But you pick them up anyway and let yourself be led.
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