bjensen's review against another edition
3.0
I can see why a lot of people enjoyed this book - just was not my favorite. I couldn’t really relate to the characters and found the stream of consciousness too much. Maybe I’m not cerebral enough to enjoy this type of writing?
lola425's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting story of three sisters whose family hotel is coming down around their ears. One sister tries valaintly to stanch every leak, bolster every collapse, another sister is a thwarted actress who really only comes to life when there are male guests, and another sister who is perpetually sick. The hotel, built on a swamp welcomes only the most desperate of travelers who see its neon sign blinking out of the gloom. The swamp is a character here, and a malevolent one.
The writing is spare, with repetitive phrases and it works well in creating the relentlessness of trying
(and failing) to redeem the hotel.
Recommended for readers who like books in translation, who enjoy simple stories that are deceptively complex.
The writing is spare, with repetitive phrases and it works well in creating the relentlessness of trying
(and failing) to redeem the hotel.
Recommended for readers who like books in translation, who enjoy simple stories that are deceptively complex.
caittothelin's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-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? It's complicated
3.0
topbitchidk's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
i really dont know about this one because it was so gross and weird to read but also stylistically that was the point but then again it was uncomfortable to read
hannicogood's review against another edition
3.0
It’s a dark take on the everyday monotony of a woman trying keep a hotel on the edge of a swamp from totally disintegrating. It has elements of gothic, as well as plagues of biblical proportions. Also not much of a plot. But it still manages to be compelling.
bllplank's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ric's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
melcarr's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
gibsramm's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
piccoline's review against another edition
5.0
What a marvelously-wrought gem. Mysterious, hypnotic, and just the right length. Of course you never really know with a translation, but Redonnet seems to have a very poetic gift. I'm excited to read more. (As of 11/8/11 this book, and her _Nevermore_ and _Candy Story, are all on massive sale at University of Nebraska Press. (I think the discount code is "SALE75" or something like that. Or look under the "Bargain Books" link.)
I guess the novel is somewhat indescribable, since I didn't describe it much. Three aging sisters in a hotel their grandmother built in the swamp. And the swamp is winning, as swamps often do.
I guess the novel is somewhat indescribable, since I didn't describe it much. Three aging sisters in a hotel their grandmother built in the swamp. And the swamp is winning, as swamps often do.
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