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abhacado33's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Short and easy read about the narrator and his tight-knit family that runs according to a certain hierarchy, growing up very poor then suddenly becoming wealthy and the complications that arise for him after he marries someone who finds his family dynamics to be odd and appalling.
samsundaram's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting novella! Enjoyed the parts of the book that were set in Coffee House.
I assume that because it is translated, the language that was probably meant to be metaphorical became quite literal. So while the ending is definitely left up to interpretation, the rest of the book lacks subtlety (in English, at least).
I assume that because it is translated, the language that was probably meant to be metaphorical became quite literal. So while the ending is definitely left up to interpretation, the rest of the book lacks subtlety (in English, at least).
erinlcrane's review against another edition
4.0
This one was short, so the characters did feel a little flat or at least not fully fleshed out. The narrator is not likable, but his voice was really interesting to read. He sees problems with what his family does, but is stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to doing anything about it.
The story is mainly about how wealth changes you and how family obligations and feelings of indebtedness can complicate doing the “right” thing.
What really pushed it to 4 stars was that ending
The story is mainly about how wealth changes you and how family obligations and feelings of indebtedness can complicate doing the “right” thing.
What really pushed it to 4 stars was that ending
aayu5's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
joanna27's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jurassicreads's review against another edition
3.0
For more reviews, check out my blog: liabooks89.wordpress.com
I was introduced to this book by Ariel Bissett (see her review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_nS4ASoLIc) and was intrigued by the concept of such a big story being told in such a CRAZY SMALL package. Personally, I found some of the interactions in the family to be very hard to relate to. I come from a very close-knit family, but the concept of ganging up on outsiders that is presented in this tale is a little extreme. Ultimately I rated this book 3/5 stars because it was very interesting and extremely satisfying to complete quickly, but it did have some moments that left me uneasy. At times, some of the actions between family members seemed a little too aggressive and co-dependent.
I was introduced to this book by Ariel Bissett (see her review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_nS4ASoLIc) and was intrigued by the concept of such a big story being told in such a CRAZY SMALL package. Personally, I found some of the interactions in the family to be very hard to relate to. I come from a very close-knit family, but the concept of ganging up on outsiders that is presented in this tale is a little extreme. Ultimately I rated this book 3/5 stars because it was very interesting and extremely satisfying to complete quickly, but it did have some moments that left me uneasy. At times, some of the actions between family members seemed a little too aggressive and co-dependent.
niharikashetty's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
jeapion's review against another edition
4.5
This is such an interesting way to writer a plot twist. This novel winds around and around with little memories and mentions before letting the reader come to a shocking realization at the end. The protagonist is incredibly passive, to the point where there's no reason to like or dislike him throughout his ramblings.
shrimpwhiskers's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0