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latetotheparty's review against another edition
2.0
The timeframe of this book was supposedly just a year and a half, but the plot just chugged along and felt like a 10-15 year novel. I wasn't convinced of the author's ability to portray a young woman who becomes the madame of a brothel.
karen_barrington's review
2.0
It took me a long time to finish this book and I think because it was so slow. On the surface it should have been a page turner with unknown paths ahead of the main character, settings like brothels and prisons and events like riots and murders but it just wasn't. I think because the main character came off so stoic and flat, that the book did as well. I didn't feel the risk or pain in the situations. At other times you feel the author is just adding stuff in. For example, where did this love of Moses come from? It was out of the blue after seeing him 3 times in her life. I think perhaps something must have been lost in the translation of the book.
revvyrouser's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
guuran62's review against another edition
4.0
http://boklaadan.wordpress.com/2013/07/18/minnet-av-en-smutsig-angel/
kiramke's review against another edition
3.0
Every time! Reviews: "unlikable flat tone." Me: "Ooh I like this writing."
Anyway this was interesting, and not quite what I expected. There are some moments of difficult shifts in perspective and understanding that make it all worthwhile.
Anyway this was interesting, and not quite what I expected. There are some moments of difficult shifts in perspective and understanding that make it all worthwhile.
renee_pompeii's review against another edition
1.0
I wasn't really impressed with Mankell's writing or this story. His historical references felt off the cuff and unresearched, and he seemed to lean to heavily on modern political points of view. Also, his writing style was incredibly staccato, and I felt like it totally prevented the story from flowing--which didn't help its readability (or lack thereof). Too bad, the premise was quite promising and I was excited for this one.
carlyque's review against another edition
4.0
Very much enjoyed this book. Was irritated by the main character's callousness, which seemed to derive more from a lack of awareness of self than anything (also annoying.) Her turn to anti-racism was a bit pc, and yet made more sense--I ended up enjoying her displacement, the masquerade of the brothel, the themes of violence, racism, and gender. Not quite done sensitively, but with an unusual path. (not sure about that monkey Carlos though).
unabridgedchick's review against another edition
4.0
Review to come after HNS Review released in August.
uncle_shai's review against another edition
2.0
I did not find the main character believable or all that likeable. The setting was interesting.
rbriese7's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0