ladypalutena's review
3.0
It's a book that does nothing and says nothing, just like To the Lighthouse does. It is a book to read to distract you, but I don't think this is a book I would read again. It's 165 pages of nothingness, just the ramblings of an old man trapped in a place nothing can ever reach. It is curious to know that a shorter version of this book was originally released alongside an art exhibit in Italy, and that is probably where it belongs: to be looked at, appreciated maybe, but it just doesn't do much for me.
emerwalsh's review against another edition
5.0
haven’t stopped thinking about it since ! loved the illustrations too
march_hare's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
ameliethemoomin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
tense
fast-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
ronanmcd's review against another edition
4.0
It's supposed to be a book about being a parent. All the literature and learned reviews say so.
It's not. Not really.
It's a book about creativity. Carey uses the Pinocchio story as a basis to look at what drives us to create. In this sense it is about being a parent, bringing something to life, nurturing it. As Gepetto creates something he does it for the joy of the act. This not translates into the work and it forms a life of its own. And so it goes, out into the world, leaving its originator.
Gepetto struggles on, looking to recapture that moment of bringing something pure to life. But he finds himself trapped, literally, in the endeavour. False starts, cursed replicas, finite resources; all the challenges of an artist face him. He works alone. Finally escaping his trap, after rediscovering his first ground-breaking work. But it's too late for the artist creator.
A museum is created in his honour with displays tangentially linked to him.
It's not. Not really.
It's a book about creativity. Carey uses the Pinocchio story as a basis to look at what drives us to create. In this sense it is about being a parent, bringing something to life, nurturing it. As Gepetto creates something he does it for the joy of the act. This not translates into the work and it forms a life of its own. And so it goes, out into the world, leaving its originator.
Gepetto struggles on, looking to recapture that moment of bringing something pure to life. But he finds himself trapped, literally, in the endeavour. False starts, cursed replicas, finite resources; all the challenges of an artist face him. He works alone. Finally escaping his trap, after rediscovering his first ground-breaking work. But it's too late for the artist creator.
A museum is created in his honour with displays tangentially linked to him.
drewanabri's review against another edition
4.0
Not bad, but I do think I would've liked this more if I read it before Observatory Mansions.
It's still a good book, with plenty of gentle humor, interesting wordplay, and thoughtful examinations of loneliness. All the pictures and sculptures certainly add to the book's appeal as well. But somehow it just feels like a pale shadow of the author's former works.
I'm all for authors having a signature style, but at the same time, I wish this book was just a little more original.
It's still a good book, with plenty of gentle humor, interesting wordplay, and thoughtful examinations of loneliness. All the pictures and sculptures certainly add to the book's appeal as well. But somehow it just feels like a pale shadow of the author's former works.
I'm all for authors having a signature style, but at the same time, I wish this book was just a little more original.
maeclegg's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
cryptidskunk's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
While I enjoyed parts, I feel like this book was meant to be read rather than listened to.
sharppointysticks's review
3.0
2021 Book Read #15
January 2021 Book of the Fantastic Strangelings Book Club.
Go check out the author’s art on Instagram, I very much enjoy following him.
January 2021 Book of the Fantastic Strangelings Book Club.
Go check out the author’s art on Instagram, I very much enjoy following him.