Reviews

I went into this volume of short stories not expecting much—so much literary short fiction is unbearably pretentious. This book has the most sparkling prose, conversations bursting with wit and discomfort, and horribly messed up, fascinating characters. As an international lawyer, the fictionalised narrative about one of the authors of the infamous "torture memos" was like a trainwreck—I couldn't tear my eyes away. The book manages to be deeply tense and moody without being dreary. Ten on ten!

elizabethgonnering's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

hilloryjoy's review against another edition

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3.0

I decided to read this book based on the cover design when I saw it on the shelf at the library - and then thinking the description sounded good. Most of the individual stories were interesting, however for the most part there were no likable characters. I also found that some of the stories were very loose in their relation to "creative types". Overall, the collections of stories was fine, but I didn't love it.

naferris's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

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