ostrava's review against another edition
4.0
I used to read Borges on repeat as a teenager. I was obsessed with him. Now that I'm on my twenties, traversing through a new phase in my life, it was a matter of time before I decided to reread him, maybe this time in completion, from the first short story to the last.
This collection was fine, though far from the quality I used to remember. Borges is right in admitting his influence by Stevenson and that sort of "fun literature" (with a pretense to strive towards the latter at times). And though his trashing of the book at the preface is hilarious it's also a bit too harsh, this is the Ivan's Childhood of Borges, and all things considered, a solid anthology, even if a bit spotty and lacking in the author's otherwise noticeable strength of vision (luckily, it picks up towards the end). That said, there's just something tastefully ironic in all of its pages, something which points directly at the big picture with no conclusions other than recognition. And I guess recognition is what all characters in this book where after, though its price was too high, and when compared to that dark and empty non-sensical paradox that is the big picture, also, wasteful.
Our history feels like a compilation of dark trivia in the larger scheme of things, hardly anything more than a universal footnote of bad things happening to all kinds of people. May as well sit back and enjoy ourselves in the light while we can.
This collection was fine, though far from the quality I used to remember. Borges is right in admitting his influence by Stevenson and that sort of "fun literature" (with a pretense to strive towards the latter at times). And though his trashing of the book at the preface is hilarious it's also a bit too harsh, this is the Ivan's Childhood of Borges, and all things considered, a solid anthology, even if a bit spotty and lacking in the author's otherwise noticeable strength of vision (luckily, it picks up towards the end). That said, there's just something tastefully ironic in all of its pages, something which points directly at the big picture with no conclusions other than recognition. And I guess recognition is what all characters in this book where after, though its price was too high, and when compared to that dark and empty non-sensical paradox that is the big picture, also, wasteful.
Our history feels like a compilation of dark trivia in the larger scheme of things, hardly anything more than a universal footnote of bad things happening to all kinds of people. May as well sit back and enjoy ourselves in the light while we can.
bfmermer's review against another edition
4.0
Borges'in dünyasına girmek için epey geç kaldım aslında. Seneler önce okuduğum Kum Kitabı'ndan sonra okuyabildiğim ikinci eseri oldu Alçaklığın Evrensel Tarihi. Kitabın önemli bölümünde Arthur Orton ve Billy the Kid gibi yaptıkları 'alçaklıklarla' nam salmış kimselerin hikayeleri anlatılırken "Vesaire" adlı kısımda ise kısa kısa 'büyülü' masallar var. Önsözden anladığım kadarıyla kitabın tamamı (Mahalle Kabadayısı hariç) Borges'in başka yerlerde okuyup kendi diliyle yeniden kurguladığı metinlerden oluşuyor. Teşbihte hata olmaz, Heredot Cevdet karşıma oturmuş da anlatıyormuş gibi okudum bütün öyküleri. 3-5 sayfalık bir hikayede bile Borges okuru farklı bir yere, farklı bir zamana kolaylıkla götürebiliyor. Sondaki kısacık masalları ise daha çok sevdim.
Muhtemelen 2019'da bitirdiğim son kitap bu olacak, kalan sürede bir kitap daha bitirebilmem mümkün görünmüyor. Böylece bir önceki yılla kıyasladığımda hem okuduğum sayfa sayısı hem de eserlerin kalitesi açısından daha zayıf kalan 2019'a Borges ile en azından güzel bir veda etmiş oldum.
Muhtemelen 2019'da bitirdiğim son kitap bu olacak, kalan sürede bir kitap daha bitirebilmem mümkün görünmüyor. Böylece bir önceki yılla kıyasladığımda hem okuduğum sayfa sayısı hem de eserlerin kalitesi açısından daha zayıf kalan 2019'a Borges ile en azından güzel bir veda etmiş oldum.
prinncesscata's review against another edition
4.0
To fully appreciate and engage with "Universal History of Iniquity," it is important to understand its context as a writing exercise for Borges. The book comprises fictionalized accounts of historical and legendary characters, blending reality with imagination. It explores themes of deception, crime, and the human condition, with a particular emphasis on the theme of identity as many characters experiment with multiple names. As an introduction to Borges, this book offers a glimpse into his unique style. As you progress through the stories, you will experience an increase in magical realism and Borges' captivating charm. Over time, you become accustomed to the author's writing and literary techniques, which adds to the enjoyment of the book.
When evaluating the book, it is important to consider the initial difficulty in understanding Borges' writing style. As you familiarize yourself with his approach, the reading experience becomes more rewarding. Additionally, it may be more beneficial to analyze the book as a whole rather than focusing extensively on each individual story, allowing you to appreciate the interconnectedness and overarching themes that tie the collection together.
When evaluating the book, it is important to consider the initial difficulty in understanding Borges' writing style. As you familiarize yourself with his approach, the reading experience becomes more rewarding. Additionally, it may be more beneficial to analyze the book as a whole rather than focusing extensively on each individual story, allowing you to appreciate the interconnectedness and overarching themes that tie the collection together.
kimberly28's review against another edition
3.0
Originally written as time passer newspaper columns, and that's the best way to read them still. One at a time, just for fun, brain relaxed. Don't compare to the rest of his work, this is something different.
davidemerson's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
It's hard not to love Borges. This isn't his finest, but Borges off his finest is still worth reading and rereading, and there are more than a few gems in this collection. On Exactitude in Science alone is a 5/5 for me, and more than a couple vignettes reek of Poe in the most savory way.
toroyaguila's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mgreer56's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
edamianif's review against another edition
4.0
Un libro estupendo de relatos cortos, algunos mejores que otros, pero en general todos son impresionantes.
douglasvilela's review against another edition
3.0
A escrita é linda mas como sempre me faz sentir burro.