nickdleblanc's review against another edition
4.0
This is a vicious little satire. It is apparent that Willeford does not like critics. It is especially apparent that he does not like the way critics, reviewers, and dealers use people's work for their own benefit or the way artists rest on their laurels or exploit their own reputations. As with most Willeford books I've read, the real heart of the story (and the best person in the story) is the woman. He uses misogynistic first-person narration from the lead character--a snotty and successful art critic--to really drive this point home. Berenice is the lens through which we should view these terrible people. She sees them for what they are as we are meant to. Figueras' multiple page monologue to her about modern art while she falls asleep is a hilarious little section. Willeford is one of the most enjoyable reads out there. Some would say this is his best novel. I'm not sure I agree. I think that opinion has formed because maybe because this book is more accessible. It deals with more high-brow subject matter and has a bit less sex, violence, and dirty humor than some of his more crime-focused work. Good stuff.
zachwerb's review against another edition
5.0
Billed as an art heist book, it's not not that, but so much more.
zeroiv's review against another edition
informative
reflective
relaxing
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
4.0
jakewritesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Willeford is a talented writer but the first 2/3rds of the book sort of bored me. I get the appeal of art and art criticism but I don't have much interest in reading books about it, even short ones like this.
But that final 1/3rd...wow. Once things get set in motion, Willeford's set up about what nihilistic surrealism is and how it functions with regards to the story and what he's trying to say as an author pays off in an enormous way, right up to the thrilling conclusion. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
But that final 1/3rd...wow. Once things get set in motion, Willeford's set up about what nihilistic surrealism is and how it functions with regards to the story and what he's trying to say as an author pays off in an enormous way, right up to the thrilling conclusion. I will be thinking about this book for a long time.
mhall89446's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, for years people have been recommending Willeford to me. While maybe not the most upbeat book for the holiday season, it is one fantastic noir short novel.
The writing is in first person, and by the time you are 20 pages in, it is clear James Figueras is one self-conceited, egotistical, psychopath. While part of his character is described by his actions, Willeford takes us into the character's mind in a very detailed fashion as the plot line is laid out.
The story is a simple one with some surprising turns. Figueras wants to be the best known art critic. On his way to get their, he has a chance of interviewing one of modern art's most enigmatic artists, Jacques Debierue. The big surprise comes when after interviewing Debierue, Figueras breaks into his studio--and then it gets even stranger.
A very good, quick read. It is intense; Willeford has a way with creating very dark, but believable characters. And despite how awful of a person Figueras is, you just want to keep reading more to see what happens next!
The writing is in first person, and by the time you are 20 pages in, it is clear James Figueras is one self-conceited, egotistical, psychopath. While part of his character is described by his actions, Willeford takes us into the character's mind in a very detailed fashion as the plot line is laid out.
The story is a simple one with some surprising turns. Figueras wants to be the best known art critic. On his way to get their, he has a chance of interviewing one of modern art's most enigmatic artists, Jacques Debierue. The big surprise comes when after interviewing Debierue, Figueras breaks into his studio--and then it gets even stranger.
A very good, quick read. It is intense; Willeford has a way with creating very dark, but believable characters. And despite how awful of a person Figueras is, you just want to keep reading more to see what happens next!
atadasi's review against another edition
3.0
A weird little book that should be read in one sitting if possible. Willeford is a fantastic writer whose tight sentences and vivid imagery made me miss the days when books could be fantastic without being over 200 pages long. The story itself isn’t really my cup of tea but the ending was a sour little surprise.
psteve's review against another edition
3.0
An odd book. Jacques Figueras is an art critic willing to do pretty much anything to rise in the art world. When he gets a chance to interview a notoriously reclusive painter (so long as he can steal of his painting), he more than jumps at the chance, but that interview doesn't turn out quick like he though it would, and some strange events follow it. Could have been good, though I was not very interested in the parts of the book about this painter's history. You can see where it's going, but still the last part of it is very interesting. Willeford wrote many more interesting books.