harman_raj's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rafamar's review against another edition
4.0
"O destino está ao virar da esquina. Como se fosse um gatuno, uma puta ou um vendedor de lotaria: as três encarnações mais batidas. Mas o que não faz é visitas ao domicílio. É preciso ir atrás dele".
"(...) dissera-me certa vez que uma narrativa era uma carta que o autor escreve a si mesmo para contar coisas a si próprio que de outra forma não podia deslindar".
(...) diz que a arte de ler está a morrer muito devagar, que é um ritual íntimo, que um livro é um espelho e que só encontramos nele o que temos dentro, que ao ler empregamos a mente e a alma, e que estes são bens cada dia mais raros".
"(...) dissera-me certa vez que uma narrativa era uma carta que o autor escreve a si mesmo para contar coisas a si próprio que de outra forma não podia deslindar".
(...) diz que a arte de ler está a morrer muito devagar, que é um ritual íntimo, que um livro é um espelho e que só encontramos nele o que temos dentro, que ao ler empregamos a mente e a alma, e que estes são bens cada dia mais raros".
porqueerestanvicky's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
gracexo7's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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? No
5.0
zinni05's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
bamamelereads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
I’ve always wanted to revisit this book, but have also been so scared to because it’s one of my favorites and I didn’t know if it would live up to my amazing memories of it. It both did and didn’t.
First of all, CRZ is the most amazing writer. His prose is lyrical and consuming; it completely sweeps you away to mid-century Barcelona. The plot is so layered and complex; there are stories within stories within stories and nothing is as it first seems. I’ve read this book before and I GASPED at one of the reveals. And wow these characters are so engaging. Fermin (HOW did I forget about him?!) is my favorite. He’s so charismatic yet damaged yet shows such perseverance. So all of that adds up to a phenomenal book.
That being said, I was much more aware this time that this was a book written by a man. The male gaze is very prevalent and not my favorite. But from that perspective, it’s very much of a time and place.
So I am so glad I reread this book. (Though one aspect of the audiobook I hated was how music would play along with the narrative at moments of import).
I would still recommend this to anyone who loves books.
First of all, CRZ is the most amazing writer. His prose is lyrical and consuming; it completely sweeps you away to mid-century Barcelona. The plot is so layered and complex; there are stories within stories within stories and nothing is as it first seems. I’ve read this book before and I GASPED at one of the reveals. And wow these characters are so engaging. Fermin (HOW did I forget about him?!) is my favorite. He’s so charismatic yet damaged yet shows such perseverance. So all of that adds up to a phenomenal book.
That being said, I was much more aware this time that this was a book written by a man. The male gaze is very prevalent and not my favorite. But from that perspective, it’s very much of a time and place.
So I am so glad I reread this book. (Though one aspect of the audiobook I hated was how music would play along with the narrative at moments of import).
I would still recommend this to anyone who loves books.
kimmyp's review against another edition
4.5
I listened to the audiobook, which I really enjoyed. I thought this was such an interesting and well told story. There was a lot of mystery. I loved the relationship between Daniel and his father and his friendship with Fermin. There was a lot of tragedy and heartbreak, but there was also a chance for redemption at the end.
jsmack's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
nosleepbee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0