Reviews

My Mother Laughs by Chantal Akerman

unhingedgirlreader's review against another edition

4.5

the ending was beautiful. the whole text is deeply saddening and so touching. there is a lot hidden between words, just like in her films, where there is a lot hidden in the pictures. 

coltontrowbridge's review

dark emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

irisdiane's review

emotional reflective

4.0

antonio507's review

4.0

Moreso an essential companion piece to Akerman’s film work than a standalone thing. She was a filmmaker, not a writer. Not to say this was BAD or whatever, it’s just not concerned it’s being a GOOD book or whatever. She wrote down her thoughts and feelings and then published them. We learn a bit about her life and family and thoughts and then we leave.

This book does not mention a single film of hers by name, but I feel like reading this has deepened my understanding of her work. Must read for Akerman fans.

ALSO the intro, afterword, and translators’ note are absolutely worth reading.

Chantal Forever

dorignori's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

lutin's review against another edition

sad medium-paced

1.5

cruzdenavajas's review against another edition

challenging emotional tense slow-paced

4.0

ioana_laavinia's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

4.75

jowixx's review against another edition

Ten dziennik przedżałobny sprawdza się bardziej jako kontekst do twórczości Akerman dający dostęp do jej skomplikowanego wnętrza, niż niezależne dzieło literackie. To, w jaki sposób Akerman odczuwa świat jest poruszające i smutne, ciekawie łączy się opowieść o umierającej matce z opowieścią o toksycznym związku. Ale to nadal nic wielkiego, na pewno nie imponuje formą, jest surowe, doraźne. Ale prawdziwe.

littlemelly's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad slow-paced

4.5

проникновенная и грустная книга, которую сложно читать, несмотря на небольшой размер и хороший авторский слог. надолго осталась у меня в мыслях и в сердце. будет интересно и тем, кто с фильмографией Шанталь Акерман, как я, не знаком.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer, Terminal illness, Dementia, and Death of parent

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment

Minor: Suicide