sjjohnson's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
phaedosia's review against another edition
MJ recommended this book to me years ago at WPL. Beautiful writing. Sad and compelling story.
vampirehelpdesk's review against another edition
5.0
It seems a lot of women dislike this book but I simply don’t agree. I really enjoyed every second of this book, imperfections included. It was one of the sweetest stories I’ve read, I think. Even with all the complexities of author and language, all I could feel from this book was tenderness and love. Agree to disagree, I suppose.
solostand's review against another edition
5.0
Every Brautigan's book is a gem. I loved this one — but I still don't get why is it considered his best work. It is incredible — true. But is it the best? Nope.
gmpasodoble's review against another edition
3.0
super interesting premise, couldn't help but laugh at how he couldn't stop describing how hot and sexy and breasty his gf was and how every single man they encountered probably wanted to fuck her and every single woman they encountered probably wanted to be her
spiderfelt's review against another edition
3.0
There were some interesting turns of phrase I admired, but overall I recoiled from the author’s incessant objectification of Vida, the protagonist’s girlfriend. His portrayal of Mexicans in general and the city of Tijuana were also dismissive and reductionist. I enjoyed the initial concept of the story, the library as repository for unpublished works, but once the action moved away and focused on the characters, I was irritated by the author’s attitudes.
tommooney's review against another edition
4.0
Well it's great, obviously. Brautigan was such a strange, unique genius. I have become a little obsessed with him in recent months.
The Abortion is a tender novel, tackling a heavy subject with a light, poetic touch. It starts with the narrator, a 31-year-old librarian of sorts. This, however, is a very different kind of library - it is open to unpublished manuscripts from anyone who wants to write one. Just rock up with your book and pop it on the shelf.
One day a girl named Vida shows up with her book and ends up staying and starting a relationship with the librarian. Vida is an oddity too - her beauty is so extreme it has ruined her life. It causes car crashes, turns men into dribbling wrecks, makes women hate her on sight.
Vida soon becomes pregnant and the story follows the pair to Tijuana for an abortion.
Brautigan uses this set-up to explore lots of issues, including gender, personal satisfaction and the weight of everyday life. It's Brautigan, so it's odd and whimsical and full of just incredible turns of phrase and wonderful descriptions. His books are celebrations of the written word, no less so than right here.
The Abortion is a tender novel, tackling a heavy subject with a light, poetic touch. It starts with the narrator, a 31-year-old librarian of sorts. This, however, is a very different kind of library - it is open to unpublished manuscripts from anyone who wants to write one. Just rock up with your book and pop it on the shelf.
One day a girl named Vida shows up with her book and ends up staying and starting a relationship with the librarian. Vida is an oddity too - her beauty is so extreme it has ruined her life. It causes car crashes, turns men into dribbling wrecks, makes women hate her on sight.
Vida soon becomes pregnant and the story follows the pair to Tijuana for an abortion.
Brautigan uses this set-up to explore lots of issues, including gender, personal satisfaction and the weight of everyday life. It's Brautigan, so it's odd and whimsical and full of just incredible turns of phrase and wonderful descriptions. His books are celebrations of the written word, no less so than right here.