wanderaven's review against another edition
3.0
This is the fourth (and probably final from this series, anyway) novella I've read from the newly published line by Fairlight Moderns (who provided to me a reader's copy).
This one was in the top two of my hierarchy of interest in these novellas, primarily due to it being described as magical realism. I've always been the (admittedly foolish) reviewer who tries (usually vainly) to define the borders of magical realism. For this one I'm going to say that my primary categorization for this one isn't magical realism but rather surrealism, and just flat out magical.
I wavered on this one, which surprised me. Though sold as and encouraged me as a reader under the promises of magical realism and the interesting and unique setting of communist Romania in the 70's (and I did find the setting to be one of the more interesting elements), I found that at its core this story was about the relationship of a marriage and whether it could withstand the destructive societal and political pressures in which it (tried) to grow. Unfortunately for me, I couldn't support or cheer for the relationship because I never felt its strength through a substantial background or insight to its core. In fact, in something like only the second or third (short) chapter in which we discover that they've just been married, the bride is already questioning their relationship and feeling cold and contained and alienated from her husband (though little previously made me believe in the thread between them anyway). So when that relationship is then almost immediately tested by outside forces, I didn't feel like there was much at stake to begin with.
I loved the novel setting and I did like enough of the writing to keep this author in my headlights and consider her again.
This one was in the top two of my hierarchy of interest in these novellas, primarily due to it being described as magical realism. I've always been the (admittedly foolish) reviewer who tries (usually vainly) to define the borders of magical realism. For this one I'm going to say that my primary categorization for this one isn't magical realism but rather surrealism, and just flat out magical.
I wavered on this one, which surprised me. Though sold as and encouraged me as a reader under the promises of magical realism and the interesting and unique setting of communist Romania in the 70's (and I did find the setting to be one of the more interesting elements), I found that at its core this story was about the relationship of a marriage and whether it could withstand the destructive societal and political pressures in which it (tried) to grow. Unfortunately for me, I couldn't support or cheer for the relationship because I never felt its strength through a substantial background or insight to its core. In fact, in something like only the second or third (short) chapter in which we discover that they've just been married, the bride is already questioning their relationship and feeling cold and contained and alienated from her husband (though little previously made me believe in the thread between them anyway). So when that relationship is then almost immediately tested by outside forces, I didn't feel like there was much at stake to begin with.
I loved the novel setting and I did like enough of the writing to keep this author in my headlights and consider her again.
thebookishtales's review against another edition
4.0
I am still struggling to collect my thoughts about this book and write a proper review. This book made me think for a long time and I didn't imagine I would love it so much. If this book wasn't longlisted for the Women's prize, I wouldn't have come to know about it. I am glad I went in with no expectations.
✏️
It's set in Romania during the Communist era, the late 60s and early 70s. The Communist government decided everything, it's like living a pre defined life. It's a very simple tale of common folk in the country living under the regime.
Bottled Goods is about a young married couple, Alina and Liviu. Liviu's brother defects to the West and the couple are harassed by the Romanian communist authorities.
Alina's struggles enamoured me, the life under a Stalinist regime constantly angered and scared me.
We follow Alina's journey, her life when she gets married to the 1990s. How her husband and she try to "escape" the claustrophobic regime. Alina had a strong and a clear voice which won me!
✏️
I really enjoyed reading about Romania and it's traditions and folklore. Llewyn has beautifully embedded magical realism in the story. It was a very strenuous book at times, but it captured my attention from the first page. The unusual prose and the short chapters made this book a fast paced read. I understood the title after reading it and it's such a clever title for this little gem! I was constantly thinking about Alina and it made me question my beliefs and choices. A marvelous book, which makes you think hard. I highly recommend this one.
4⭐
✏️
It's set in Romania during the Communist era, the late 60s and early 70s. The Communist government decided everything, it's like living a pre defined life. It's a very simple tale of common folk in the country living under the regime.
Bottled Goods is about a young married couple, Alina and Liviu. Liviu's brother defects to the West and the couple are harassed by the Romanian communist authorities.
Alina's struggles enamoured me, the life under a Stalinist regime constantly angered and scared me.
We follow Alina's journey, her life when she gets married to the 1990s. How her husband and she try to "escape" the claustrophobic regime. Alina had a strong and a clear voice which won me!
✏️
I really enjoyed reading about Romania and it's traditions and folklore. Llewyn has beautifully embedded magical realism in the story. It was a very strenuous book at times, but it captured my attention from the first page. The unusual prose and the short chapters made this book a fast paced read. I understood the title after reading it and it's such a clever title for this little gem! I was constantly thinking about Alina and it made me question my beliefs and choices. A marvelous book, which makes you think hard. I highly recommend this one.
4⭐
smokeyshouse's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Very short book with extremely short chapters, apparently written in flash-fiction style. Too short and too scattered to be able to connect and to be memorable. The magical realism set against the stark communist regime was an odd and interesting juxtaposition.
querciola's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
thereadingkrisis's review against another edition
2.0
Why did this book go from plotting of defect to choking a fairy?
ritampragana's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
Someone pls tell me what happened at the end cause I NEED TO KNOW IF IT WAS NOT THE CAT, THEN WHO DID IT
_dunno_'s review against another edition
3.0
Read my interview with Sophie here
----
Romanian readers might feel that Sophie ticked all the necessary boxes in terms of life under communism, and it might sound like yet another book about the old regime, however—and this is tricky and innovative, hats off to Sophie—once the magical realism kicks in, the book is not what you expect anymore.
What made the book interesting for me, as someone who lived under the regime and is not surprised by the actual facts, was the form—the novella reads like a series of flash fiction stories— mixed with whimsical, folky elements.
How this book is going to compete against the other longlisted books for Women’s Prize for Fiction is yet to be seen, but I’m glad it’s there. Standing among so many talented and established writers is an accomplishment in itself, great job!
----
Romanian readers might feel that Sophie ticked all the necessary boxes in terms of life under communism, and it might sound like yet another book about the old regime, however—and this is tricky and innovative, hats off to Sophie—once the magical realism kicks in, the book is not what you expect anymore.
What made the book interesting for me, as someone who lived under the regime and is not surprised by the actual facts, was the form—the novella reads like a series of flash fiction stories— mixed with whimsical, folky elements.
How this book is going to compete against the other longlisted books for Women’s Prize for Fiction is yet to be seen, but I’m glad it’s there. Standing among so many talented and established writers is an accomplishment in itself, great job!
debbiecuddy's review against another edition
4.0
The structure of this novella, flash-fiction, was new to me and I didn't know what to expect. It turns out that I was more than pleasantly surprised. Told in short chapters, many of which could stand alone as short stories, this book tells a powerful and heart wrenching story of life in Romania during the Ceausescu regime. I couldn't put this book down and ended up reading it in two sittings. I felt so engaged with Alina's story that there were times that my heart was pounding with fear for her. I enjoyed the author's use of magical realism and Romanian folklore, it seemed to relieve the tension of living under such oppression. The characters were interesting, especially Aunt Teresa...I'd love to read more about her! The ending was a surprise to me and would be great for a book group discussion.
rubyhosh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Police brutality
Moderate: Torture and Confinement
Minor: Rape
njw13's review against another edition
challenging
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75