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e_m_f_reads's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Animal death, Terminal illness, Stalking, Death of parent, and Classism
rieviolet's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I quite liked the general setting, I've never read about Icelandic society, let alone in the 1960s, and I appreciated the focus on the conditions of women and gay men.
Still, I'm not so sure about the actual characters and their portrayals, I struggled a bit to connect with them, especially with the main character Helka. Among everyone, my favourite character might actually be her best friend Ísey.
I appreciated the writing style, especially the descriptions of the landscape, they were very atmospheric. I also didn't mind the division in short sections, it made for a pacier reading, but I can see that it might also give a bit of a disjointed feeling to the narration.
Sometimes I struggled a bit with the tone, like I read a passage and I really could not understand if it was supposed to be funny?! I don't know if it is just me, it just felt strange, I couldn't get my head around it.
Also, I have to say I was disappointed by the end, it actually did not feel like much of an ending, more like an abrupt stop in the narration.
Still, I'm not so sure about the actual characters and their portrayals, I struggled a bit to connect with them, especially with the main character Helka. Among everyone, my favourite character might actually be her best friend Ísey.
I appreciated the writing style, especially the descriptions of the landscape, they were very atmospheric. I also didn't mind the division in short sections, it made for a pacier reading, but I can see that it might also give a bit of a disjointed feeling to the narration.
Sometimes I struggled a bit with the tone, like I read a passage and I really could not understand if it was supposed to be funny?! I don't know if it is just me, it just felt strange, I couldn't get my head around it.
Also, I have to say I was disappointed by the end, it actually did not feel like much of an ending, more like an abrupt stop in the narration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Homophobia, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Racism, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Rape, Vomit, Police brutality, and War
hanleest's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
“Men are born poets. By the time of their confirmation, they’ve taken on the inescapable role of being geniuses. It doesn’t matter whether they write books or not. Women, on the other hand, grapple with puberty and have babies, which prevents them from being able to write.”
this was so good. loved the setting, time and place, but especially loved ísey. her parts were so bitingly written, I could almost see her, stirring a pot of skyr, cheeks reddening, as she told hekla about her neighbour, who's depressive episode mirrored her own. just brilliant
this was so good. loved the setting, time and place, but especially loved ísey. her parts were so bitingly written, I could almost see her, stirring a pot of skyr, cheeks reddening, as she told hekla about her neighbour, who's depressive episode mirrored her own. just brilliant
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, and Stalking
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