purple_leaf's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
aleryan000's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
maiamiga's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Un libro muy inspirado, con una estructura perfecta, con personajes interesantes, tramas duras pero humanas y sobre todo con un gran trabajo en la voz de los personajes. A veces parece que te están hablando personas de verdad en el bar. Por ejemplo, la pareja que regenta el bar son dos personajes geniales con una complicidad muy lograda. Un contenido violento y triste en un libro que es una delicia en lo literario.
booksbynoe's review against another edition
4.25
8.5/10
Me ha flipado. Y se va a ir directo a mis mejores lecturas del año, sin lugar a dudas. Es una lectura dura, los personajes de esta novela, que se lee como una colección de historias cortas interconectadas, son personajes que no lo han tenido fácil, son unos parias para la sociedad. La voz y estructura narrativa me atrapó desde el principio. La narración tan ácida de los personajes parece que va a ser demasiado teniendo en cuenta sus historias, pero funciona perfectamente.
Me ha flipado. Y se va a ir directo a mis mejores lecturas del año, sin lugar a dudas. Es una lectura dura, los personajes de esta novela, que se lee como una colección de historias cortas interconectadas, son personajes que no lo han tenido fácil, son unos parias para la sociedad. La voz y estructura narrativa me atrapó desde el principio. La narración tan ácida de los personajes parece que va a ser demasiado teniendo en cuenta sus historias, pero funciona perfectamente.
erickmacgregor's review against another edition
2.0
Historias cortas de gente que frecuenta un café. Algunas más impactantes que otras, pero todas desalentadoras, definitivamente no es un libro "feel-good". No es un libro con un final ,simplemente es para pasar el rato y tal vez sentirte mejor por no haber vivido en esas épocas.
lulu365's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting series of short stories. I would love to see this developed into a movie or mini-series.
disasterchick's review against another edition
4.0
This book was beautifully written but very disturbing. The majority of the characters live in a whorehouse and these are their stories of how they got there. Violent, sad, and heart wrenching. I read this for a book club and this is not the kind of book that I would normally read. I know there will be a good discussion. Have a friend read this about the same time so you can discuss. I'm confused about the back door of Bailey's Cafe. Many people speak of this book as being layers, but I cannot understand how others can see another's vision. This is a book the more I think about it the more I will like and appreciate it.
lilcoppertop's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Pregnancy, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexual violence, Abandonment, Abortion, Sexual assault, Xenophobia, Child abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Violence, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Antisemitism, Blood, Body shaming, Drug use, Drug abuse, Hate crime, Incest, and War
audreylee's review
dark
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The people who populate Gloria Naylor’s novel “Bailey’s Café" are those who society would overlook. Their stories might be deemed socially inappropriate or without worth. These are stories of outcasts who are downtrodden, for whom marriage isn’t a panacea, and who struggle with poverty, addictions, and hatreds. And yet, Gloria Naylor highlights their stories. She shows the strength and determination to survive and to survive on their own terms. The reader learns their stories through a local café owner, a man who has his own demons and serves up acceptance along with the more traditional sustenance of his establishment. Bailey’s café is where you go when you are no longer able to endure your reality.