Reviews

The Complete Cosmicomics by Italo Calvino

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rymoffatt's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging hopeful informative reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

sebswann's review against another edition

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4.0

If you like collections of fictional short stories influenced by mathematical and scientific concepts; while Calvino’s works are at times confusing and complex, they can be also deeply thought-provoking. He has a unique way of diving into and elaborating on the briefest of moments.

pao_reynard's review against another edition

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funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

zenarcade's review against another edition

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3.0

My 2nd Calvino book after reading and loving If on a Winter's Night a Traveller last year. While I was very intrigued by the blurb for Cosmicomics, most of the actual stories fell a bit flat for me, with the exception of a few brilliant ones ("The Light Years", "World Memory"). Possibly one of his novels would have been a better next choice.

amandasamuelson's review

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slow-paced

4.5

I adore Calvino’s writing and his imaginative mind. And I adore Qfwfq, the narrator of the majority of these stories. What a life he’s led. Most stories begins with a scientific blurb, article, or quote. And Calvino totally spins it on its head and writes a dreamy poetic story that gives us insight into a version of the universe lived and experienced by dear Qfwfq. There were some stories that felt like a bit of a slog to get through, admittedly. And part of me was a bit distracted at times by things that took place in some stories that completely contradicted things that took place in other stories. But I don’t believe that Calvino meant for this to be a seamless narrative. They are a bunch of short stories written over the course of several years and published separately, to be fair. If you like science and science fiction these stories won’t disappoint you.

cantordustbunnies's review

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4.0

Very cool and very much a product of the 1960's. While I enjoy psychedelia, I'm not as big a fan of postmodernism. The stories within are certainly enjoyable, written with style, and are an interesting combination of metaphor, myth, and science. Fundamental forces are personified and natural events are the often accidental result of the aspirations, dreams, or interactions of godlike beings in this collection of shorts. There were beautiful and profound moments but overall it felt like the sweet daydreams of a psilocybin enthusiast which maybe is exactly what you're looking for. These stories could get a little on the overly fanciful, airy-fairy side of things. I think they would make a great animated cartoon in the vein of René Laloux.