raulbime's review against another edition
4.0
I like reading and re-reading the first books of the writers I love. They have a certain charm, and an indication of the origins from which their later works flow. They also show the early point of recurring themes, revisited places, and an overall sense of development achieved when compared to the works that followed.
All of these short stories are set in small towns which resemble Munro's hometown of Wingham, Ontario. It was clear while reading these stories that a lot of the material is drawn from memory. An interesting fact I learned about two days ago is that these stories are responsible for seven decades worth of hostility. Elements of a story matching with certain real life events that involve a tragic death, as well as people of the town feeling that characters in the book were actual people who lived in Wingham and who, according to them, were depicted in an unsavoury light, are to blame. The hostility was so great that threats of bodily harm against Munro had her seek protection from the town police when she visited her hometown for a literary festival. Her town accepts her more warmly now, and that she won a Nobel might have something to do with it.
This would be a good place for someone who hasn't read Munro. Not only because these are good stories, but also because the only place to go from here is up as the writing becomes richer, more complex, and more refined with the later works.
All of these short stories are set in small towns which resemble Munro's hometown of Wingham, Ontario. It was clear while reading these stories that a lot of the material is drawn from memory. An interesting fact I learned about two days ago is that these stories are responsible for seven decades worth of hostility. Elements of a story matching with certain real life events that involve a tragic death, as well as people of the town feeling that characters in the book were actual people who lived in Wingham and who, according to them, were depicted in an unsavoury light, are to blame. The hostility was so great that threats of bodily harm against Munro had her seek protection from the town police when she visited her hometown for a literary festival. Her town accepts her more warmly now, and that she won a Nobel might have something to do with it.
This would be a good place for someone who hasn't read Munro. Not only because these are good stories, but also because the only place to go from here is up as the writing becomes richer, more complex, and more refined with the later works.
sydneyedens's review against another edition
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
Another good one - Munro is so simple but so good, so good at peeling back people’s lives and experiences, showing little glimpses. Thought about gifting this one to Grandma, we’ll see. I enjoyed Walker Brothers Cowboy, The Office and An Ounce of Cure especially.
isabellemay's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-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? Yes
3.25
devinayo's review against another edition
5.0
Reading the story in the house I grew up in somehow makes the book more heartfelt and intimate.
erinsbooklogue's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
kyra_pc's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-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? N/A
4.25
The stories in this collection are so subtle and mundane but deeply moving and really make you think about the small moments of revelation that we experience in everyday life. I especially enjoyed the last few stories that deal with illness, disability, old age and how this affects the family (I couldn’t stop thinking about “The Peace of Utrecht” for days). Munro has a knack for writing super interesting, complex and challenging female characters at every stage of life.
fermin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
leannep's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
More short stories. A range. Lots of skill in capturing characters and relationships. Building on experiences from her life. Values reflective of earlier times. Often sad endings.