ellaflorencecarroll's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The writing was so beautiful that it almost made up for the fact that i had no idea what was going on for most of it.
readrabbitread's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
veelaughtland's review against another edition
2.0
Astragal follows Anne, a 19 year old girl who escapes from prison by jumping a wall and ends up badly breaking her ankle as a result. The rest of the story follows her and Julian, the man who saves her from the roadside, as she travels around France trying to keep out of the clutches of the law, as well as the various people who put her up.
I honestly thought I would enjoy this more. It is very well-written, but almost too well-written for the simplicity of the story - at times I felt like Sarrazin was making much out of nothing. I didn't particularly enjoy being in Anne's head all the time. For a woman who struck me at times as being quite a strong character, at other times she really could be a bit of a lovesick teen. I know she was 19, but that seems a bit old for that.
It took me longer to read than I had previously imagined because instead of getting swept away in the story, I kept putting it down. I'm not going to say I didn't enjoy this book, because certain moments (and particularly the last couple of chapters) did capture me, and I found myself wanting to see how things would end up. But overall I just didn't think this was all that interesting, and it's a shame because I wanted to love Patti Smith's favourite book. The introduction by Smith herself is definitely worth a read though.
I honestly thought I would enjoy this more. It is very well-written, but almost too well-written for the simplicity of the story - at times I felt like Sarrazin was making much out of nothing. I didn't particularly enjoy being in Anne's head all the time. For a woman who struck me at times as being quite a strong character, at other times she really could be a bit of a lovesick teen. I know she was 19, but that seems a bit old for that.
It took me longer to read than I had previously imagined because instead of getting swept away in the story, I kept putting it down. I'm not going to say I didn't enjoy this book, because certain moments (and particularly the last couple of chapters) did capture me, and I found myself wanting to see how things would end up. But overall I just didn't think this was all that interesting, and it's a shame because I wanted to love Patti Smith's favourite book. The introduction by Smith herself is definitely worth a read though.
agroenfeldt's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
2.0
rpanny's review against another edition
3.0
I wonder why I'd never heard of this book or this writer until I saw it on a recommended shelf in McNally Jackson. Sarrazin has all the talents of a great novelist--the first person narration is consistent and honest, it doesn't over-explain or run in any circles. There's a wonderful casualness to the storytelling of a woman who's just escaped from jail, only to find herself imprisoned again and again by the people trying to help her as her broken ankle heals. It's a love story, but it's not a romance--even as Anne is in love with Julien (with her former lover Rolande hanging over a great deal of the narration), the story is more about her experiences and perceptions than of her relations to other people. She's, frankly, one of the most believably strong and stubborn female narrators I've ever read, and she never once falls into caricature or facade.
My only complaint is with this edition, actually. There were tons of spelling mistakes and occasional wrong words that distracted from the narration and I found rather jarring. Which is surprising, I believe the press that published it is small but the thing has a foreword and is signed by Patti Smith (a lovely foreword, mind), I would expect more care.
My only complaint is with this edition, actually. There were tons of spelling mistakes and occasional wrong words that distracted from the narration and I found rather jarring. Which is surprising, I believe the press that published it is small but the thing has a foreword and is signed by Patti Smith (a lovely foreword, mind), I would expect more care.
angiolettoliz's review against another edition
3.0
A very French novel. My heart aches for Anne.
Sadly found it difficult to get into and at times the writing confusing. However, after 100 pages or so the story felt more alive and I appreciated the descriptive nature of Saarazin's prose.
stacialithub's review against another edition
3.0
She has a very fresh, immediate voice in this book, a semi-autobiographical look at "Anne" who leaps from a third floor to escape prison, shatters her ankle, is randomly (& luckily) picked up by a minor crook (Julien) before her escape is discovered & wanders between hideouts, waiting, healing, & reverting back to her old life (yet at such a young age) of prostitution & thievery. There is freedom of spirit here, but also a lot of hiding, looking over her shoulder (not wanting to be caught), & waiting (sometimes too long) for erstwhile savior & lover Julien. Free & yet never really free.
A fascinating & fresh account from the '60s.
A fascinating & fresh account from the '60s.
dagdraumar's review against another edition
4.0
It’s weird, it’s passionate, it’s a bit messy, it’s something else. I enjoyed the book, even though it’s a bit all over the place. Sometimes it’s hard to keep track or follow the story. But it’s interesting, and I enjoyed the read.
elizafiedler's review against another edition
5.0
Favorite quote: "To avoid curious or pitying attentions from neighboring clans, I always read or sleep assiduously until it's time for the holy Thermometer."
The prose is glorious. I want to shoot the editor for allowing so many typos to persist in so few pages, though. It makes me weep; this book deserves a perfectly curated translation.
The prose is glorious. I want to shoot the editor for allowing so many typos to persist in so few pages, though. It makes me weep; this book deserves a perfectly curated translation.
brenommk's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25