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smb04's review against another edition
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
theoissocool's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
sarahbbooks's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-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
2.75
sofs's review against another edition
En retrospectiva, me gustó leerlo al mismo tiempo que la versión en italiano. Pero al final, cuando el libro finalmente se puso ALGO interesante, fue desesperante.
sofs's review against another edition
2.5
Lo leí en italiano porque las traducciones estaban muy terribles. Al mismo tiempo casi tuve que leerlo español para captar ciertas cosas (que la traducción no captaba muy bien tampoco). Sufrí mucho. Que no se repita.
Also, no hay manera de que este libro no haya inspirado My Brilliant Friend de alguna forma.
Also, no hay manera de que este libro no haya inspirado My Brilliant Friend de alguna forma.
khopeisz's review against another edition
3.0
I did not entirely dislike this book for a few reasons: 1) the writing was fun; 2) I am intrigued by the lore of Cesare Pavese; and 3) I was amused by every character except for Ginia. Which is a problem bc she’s the main character.
I completely get who Ginia is supposed to be, and at points I related (or past me rather) to her insecurities, resentments, and paranoia. But dear god this was so frustrating to read!! Her insecurities are too repetitive. Pavese was an editor, so I’m wondering why he did not refine this story more. It is already short and I’m telling him, may he rest in peace lol, that it could have been 50 pages shorter. Also, I was confused by the passage of time and also the feeling of place. From the foreword by Elizabeth Strout I understood that the story is set in an artist’s bohemian city. However, a true feeling of place was never established for me and so it just felt like the city was just randomly littered with a bunch of artists. Like your butcher? Oh he’s an artist. Your doctor? He’s an artist too lol.
Anyway, if I hadn’t heavily annotated this book I’d give it away. Not out of malice or anything, I just don’t see myself re-reading it for pleasure (maybe as a reference point for my own writing). Oh! And the ending was very fitting and sweet I thought.
I completely get who Ginia is supposed to be, and at points I related (or past me rather) to her insecurities, resentments, and paranoia. But dear god this was so frustrating to read!! Her insecurities are too repetitive. Pavese was an editor, so I’m wondering why he did not refine this story more. It is already short and I’m telling him, may he rest in peace lol, that it could have been 50 pages shorter. Also, I was confused by the passage of time and also the feeling of place. From the foreword by Elizabeth Strout I understood that the story is set in an artist’s bohemian city. However, a true feeling of place was never established for me and so it just felt like the city was just randomly littered with a bunch of artists. Like your butcher? Oh he’s an artist. Your doctor? He’s an artist too lol.
Anyway, if I hadn’t heavily annotated this book I’d give it away. Not out of malice or anything, I just don’t see myself re-reading it for pleasure (maybe as a reference point for my own writing). Oh! And the ending was very fitting and sweet I thought.
anyisreading's review against another edition
4.0
it really feels like entering the interior world of a 16 years old girl: the melodramatic reactions to every matter, the persistent melancholy, the feeling of love, the delusion of it. and, above everything, the loss of innocence that will never come back
might even change it to 5 stars in a few hours. it was amazing
might even change it to 5 stars in a few hours. it was amazing
skes96's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vasilikiyeo_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5