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p_t_b's review
5.0
thomas bernhardt but a little less suffocating. a crumbling narrative of desire/alienation, but the story isn't really the point. this is almost a standup comedy routine in prose. philosophical zingers all the way down, but not the annoying rimshotty kind (mostly). has some moments of miserable-ist ultra-bougie discomfort, but so does the actual world. not sure if i need another nell zink book but very glad i read this one.
PS bonus thought, there is a strong whiff of book 2 act v of goethe's faust in tiff's work on destroying the elbe's levee.
PS bonus thought, there is a strong whiff of book 2 act v of goethe's faust in tiff's work on destroying the elbe's levee.
swivelhead's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5
I read this after Nicotine (which I thought was pretty good), but I hated this book. The main character is just so completely unlikable (which is definitely not a requirement for books I read, but hoo boy this lady sucks) and just complains most of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity
lexirtaylor2's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
robert_vardill's review against another edition
challenging
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
angus_mckeogh's review
2.0
Ho hum. Another snore fest. With the blurb from Franzen on the front and the spin I'd gleaned from the internet I thought I was in for a real treat. Ecoterroism. Interesting. Wow. Lucky it was short. Well-written. But ultimately about a restless woman bouncing around in relationships in an open marriage. Which could be entertaining but ultimately wasn't.
ellieoopsie's review
Zink is a manic. She writes freneticly and brutally. Her characters are selfish and odd but intriguing. There is no fat in this short book. Zink has a knack for succint and detatched description which is sometimes confronting. The only thing I've read like it is her other novel 'Mislaid'.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Miscarriage and Toxic relationship