Reviews

I baffi by Emmanuel Carrère

theciz's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious medium-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

3.0

So this was kind of a weird one, and a book of two halves. I think the first half really sets up the mystery and keeps you guessing, while the latter half is a real slog through interior ramblings. It ended up making a short book feel very long. I just wanted something to happen! And then that ending… was a thing that happened. I suppose a point was being made, but it kind of felt like a waste of time to me.

alicerondinella's review

4.0

Ansiogeno

rachel_the_managing_editor's review against another edition

3.0

3.47 stars

A very quick read. Funny, unsettling, and surprisingly suspenseful, though a bit slow at times. (Probably would have shaved off about 40 pages and turned this into a novella.) But I loved the scene with the all-day ferry ride. Subtly surreal without being too maudlin, which was a refreshing change.

I should also say this book has one of the best sex scenes I've read. Just saying.

RIYL The Twilight Zone, Desperate Characters or The Double (Saramago's version).

benedetto21's review

4.0

Emmanuel Carrère finirà per essere l'autore che ho letto di più in questo 2020, nonché una delle cose migliori di questo anno orribile. Nel giro di 3 giorni ho divorato "I baffi", un inquietante e magnetico libro che scrisse nel 1986.

Totalmente distante dallo stile di "Limonov", qui un po' Hitchcock, un po' Pirandello, l'autore prende spunto da un fatto banalissimo (il protagonista si toglie i baffi, che ha sempre avuto) per far sprofondare il lettore in una spirale di eventi semplicemente incredibile e per conseguentemente indagare sull'animo dell'essere umano, sempre pronto a vedere complotti e congiure dietro l'angolo
Non è il mio preferito di Carrère, ma è sempre d'impatto, è da leggere per le solite domande che ti frullano in testa quando lo leggi. Cos'è la verità? Fino a che punto la menzogna può celarsi? Chi è il protagonista? Chi sono io?

Il finale poi... Beh, perfetto.

molly_kate's review against another edition

slow-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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm and Suicidal thoughts

Moderate: Death of parent

booksshe's review

4.0

3.5, totalmente FOLLE

dariofedeli's review

3.0

Le ultime pagine sono agghiaccianti, in generale mi è piaciuto ma mi aspettavo qualcosa di diverso e di un po' più sorprendente. Comunque, lo consiglio.

iaintcorinne's review

challenging dark reflective tense 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

3.0

whatholliereads's review against another edition

challenging funny mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

lattedisoia's review

3.0

3.5