Reviews

Crossing by Pajtim Statovci

coco_lolo's review against another edition

3.0

I'm rather torn on this book. The writing was phenomenal, and what especially impressed me was that this is a translated work. And I liked the focus on cultural and sexual identity as seen through Bujar and Agim, how this impacts the way they view the world and the way the world views them. The ambiguity behind who was narrating the even-numbered sections kept me reading to find out what happened to separate the boys; this also led to where I felt a little iffy, as the revelation didn't carry the type of emotional impact I think Statovci was aiming for. I enjoyed the chapters set in the past more so than the present-day sections, although I've read various reviews discussing how the book is not respectful or accurate toward Albania. I also found the last section meandering, so my interest lessened in part because of this and because, while I don't think we're meant to like the narrator, I had trouble sympathizing with him as the novel progressed.

twoheadedcritter's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.0

paolo's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

laura_sackton's review against another edition

Very bleak. Incredible structure. I think I loved it.

signorponza's review against another edition

3.0

Libro scoperto grazie a Giacomo Cardaci (l'autore, tra le altre cose, di [b:Zucchero e catrame|44299139|Zucchero e catrame|Giacomo Cardaci|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1551980359l/44299139._SX50_.jpg|68828201]). La chiave sta tutta nel titolo, è un testo che parla di transizioni. Bujar è costantemente protagonista di qualche transizione nella sua vita: nella sua identità e rappresentazione di genere, nei luoghi in cui vive, nella sua crescita personale. La sua storia ha le radici in Albania, in un contesto difficile con una famiglia sempre più in difficoltà dopo la morte del padre, la depressione della madre e la scomparsa della sorella. In questa situazione, l'unico appiglio per lui sarà l'amicizia con Agim, la persona con cui decide di lasciarsi tutto alle spalle e partire alla volta dell'Italia. È un romanzo che lascia il segno, anche se (soprattutto nella seconda parte) l'ho trovato fin troppo frammentario e superficiale nel raccontare le tante vite di Bujar.

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sankrum's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

xwaruf's review against another edition

3.0

Do I think every story needs a happy ending? No. I think Statovci gives us a tragic backstory to make us “understand” why a manipulative, compulsive liar ruins other people’s lives. I’m lukewarm on this novel because while it’s a well-written story and I get the art, I didn’t appreciate the romanticization of toxic behavior. Maybe I appreciate this book less because I didn’t need a work of fiction to explain why people in denial leave a trail of destruction. I’m glad I borrowed this from a library and didn’t purchase the book.

bibliotekskatten's review against another edition

dark reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

zassiu's review against another edition

3.0

Kovaa kamaa. Ei mitään hyvän mielen kirjallisuutta.

puruluki's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

2.25