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sarah_nera's review against another edition
I tried reading this, really. Scott thought it was hilarious. But I got bored and gave up. Alas.
sturbock's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely a very unique book. I loved how Barnes switched the style every chapter and how you get to know Braithwaite‘s story just bit by bit. Feels like a puzzle.
I have to admit that it was hard to get into it but at the end I was sad there wasn’t more to read.
It definitely inspired me to Wikipedia the hell out of Flaubert, Colet, ... .
I have to admit that it was hard to get into it but at the end I was sad there wasn’t more to read.
It definitely inspired me to Wikipedia the hell out of Flaubert, Colet, ... .
buffalogirlks's review against another edition
challenging
slow-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
0.5
This book was AWFUL! Although being shortlisted for the Booker prize and a recipient of other prize I found it lacking in everything. I did listen to the audiobook; perhaps if I had read it I might feel differently. I finished it because it is on James Mustich's "1000 Books to Read Before You Die" list, but I can't recommend it to anyone.
gemmamarshall5189's review against another edition
1.0
Pretentious and boring. I usually like Julian Barnes but this book was not to my taste. Not read any Flaubert, not inclined to do so after finishing this book and couldn't give a shit about his parrot. Obviously too high brow for me.
rprkrshearer's review against another edition
4.0
I am so fond of Julian Barnes. Reading his work is like sitting in a shop with someone you like who likes all the people and books and coffee that you do, and whispering conspiratorially about what it all may mean, and haven’t you considered this, and look at this wonderful juxtaposition. I love writers who write with such gusto and longing about writers that I love and books I enjoy - Julian Barnes feels like an older, but so eager, particular friend, who always wants to indicate how to use a word I’m aghast to admit I’ve never heard.
laticsexile's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Wonderfully written, full of wit, charm and nuggets of information. It does become slightly too pretentious at times, and gets a bit lost and messy in the second half.
sandrarn's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
iaproton's review against another edition
The boring meanderings of a doctor not really going anywhereat a snail's pace
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Terminal illness, and Medical content
noel_rene_cisneros's review against another edition
4.0
Esta novela es un ensayo sobre Flaubert, el protagonista-narrador es un médico jubilado que se acaba de quedar viudo y vuelve a Ruan en busca del loro que inspiro a Gustave para escribir Un corazón simple. Así desarrolla algunas de las ideas sobre el autor de Madame Bovary y qué lo llevó a escribirla y a construir, en general, su obra. Pero también, conforme se lee, se descubre que él es un moderno Bovary, que su mujer lo engañaba con múltiples amantes y que ella terminó suicidándose. Escrita con inteligencia y mucho cariño hacia Flaubert es una obra muy recomendable.