vandeneeckhoutkoen's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars actually, but hey, I'm feeling generous today ;)
nele_vdr's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lawerner's review against another edition
5.0
This book is brilliant: riveting, funny, poignant, magical yet totally real commentary on contemporary society and events. It sucked me in, and I'm sold. One of the best books / my favorite book that I've read in awhile.
katie_burgert's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
elaoise_benson's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jhayden's review against another edition
2.0
I don’t know what this book was. I was confused right from the get go and it never got better. It starts centered around the close relationship between two neighbors at different points in time but by the middle and end the subject matter derailed and I lost the point entirely. Themes include art, the passing of time, relationships, and political turmoil.
There are very well written passages and concepts I would have liked to hear more about, especially Daniel and Elisabeth and Daniel in the afterlife. The bit about the two fences had a dystopian feel which added some tonal complexity.
Basically this book is a jumble of vignettes across time and space and it’s up to you to make any sense of it. The writing style is stream of consciousness and lacks descriptions of dialogue and emotions. There are no quotation marks, everything is followed by “he/she/name said.” I got sally rooney and otessa moshfeg vibes and I don’t love those authors either so maybe the literary fiction genre isn’t for me. I was excited about this series but I don’t know if I can continue.
There are very well written passages and concepts I would have liked to hear more about, especially Daniel and Elisabeth and Daniel in the afterlife. The bit about the two fences had a dystopian feel which added some tonal complexity.
Basically this book is a jumble of vignettes across time and space and it’s up to you to make any sense of it. The writing style is stream of consciousness and lacks descriptions of dialogue and emotions. There are no quotation marks, everything is followed by “he/she/name said.” I got sally rooney and otessa moshfeg vibes and I don’t love those authors either so maybe the literary fiction genre isn’t for me. I was excited about this series but I don’t know if I can continue.
stewardii's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The first Ali Smith to really click with me. Insane that she rapidly drafted something of such high quality. There is a level of chaos to it for sure, but it’s deliberate and no more messy than in her other work that I’ve read.
The emotional core of this one really struck a chord with me. I look forward to reading more.
The emotional core of this one really struck a chord with me. I look forward to reading more.
sofiacostalima's review against another edition
Acho que li este livro da mesma maneira que o Outono funciona: fui entrando devagar, com calma, sem pressa de ter os dias frios aqui, mas depois, de repente, "Novembro de novo. É mais inverno do que outono." E vai meio livro em dois dias.