mela_satir's review against another edition
3.0
For the first 2/3 I thought this would be a 5-star read. I enjoyed the weird aspects, for the most part it is highly imaginative and sometimes amusing.
But the last thrid drags a bit. And when the protagonist starts referring to the female character as "the girl" in his thoughts, despite knowing her name, I got slightly annoyed. Yes, I get that it may be a reference to "the hero gets the girl" but I still don't have to like it.
But the last thrid drags a bit. And when the protagonist starts referring to the female character as "the girl" in his thoughts, despite knowing her name, I got slightly annoyed. Yes, I get that it may be a reference to "the hero gets the girl" but I still don't have to like it.
elefelanterosa's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
3.0
ullsi's review against another edition
4.0
This was fun – a wild ride down a rabbit-hole filled with everything from birds to androids to knife duels. I’m sure Borges, Calvino and the rest of the Tribunal members would be proud.
jessicafee86's review against another edition
4.0
Planning on doing a real review for this one in the future. I really enjoyed it, the writing was beautiful, and I definitely need to check out more from Raymond St Elmo.
hopeastarr's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
5.0
Would it be insane to say this book simply appeared in my Kindle library one day, with no record of me ever purchasing or receiving it? Maybe, but those are the sorts of possibilities I have to consider after reading this story.
The best parts were the main character Clarence and the authorial voice. While he isn’t explored a lot in the sense of intense backstory and development, he’s a very strong personality that establishes himself early on as exactly the type of person that would do the ludicrous things in this book. He also narrates the story, which is written in a somewhat meta first person, meaning it’s impossible to separate character from the amazing authorial voice. It’s hard to explain the writing style, but it reminds me of Lemony Snicket or Pseudonymous Bosch, except this is adult, not middle grade. It just worked perfectly for me.
This book is magical realism and shows a clear love for the genre. While it does include magical realism authors and references that someone well-versed in the genre may appreciate, I think the real magic comes from turning reality into a constant guessing game. You’re never sure what’s magic and what’s just in Clarence’s head. The author also uses this toward the end of the story to make some beautiful statements about why magical realism is appealing. As someone unfamiliar with the genre who loved this book, I don’t think you need to be well-read in magical realism to appreciate these elements.
The ending threw me for a loop. I didn’t know what to make of it. I either hated it’s explanations or I had to recontextualize how I saw the entire story. Given my rating, I obviously chose the latter. This went from a fun story to a genuinely meaningful ball of contemplation. I feel like I see the world just a little bit differently now.
Finally, this book is fucking hilarious. Many late reading nights were spent trying not to giggle like an idiot and wake up my husband.
The best parts were the main character Clarence and the authorial voice. While he isn’t explored a lot in the sense of intense backstory and development, he’s a very strong personality that establishes himself early on as exactly the type of person that would do the ludicrous things in this book. He also narrates the story, which is written in a somewhat meta first person, meaning it’s impossible to separate character from the amazing authorial voice. It’s hard to explain the writing style, but it reminds me of Lemony Snicket or Pseudonymous Bosch, except this is adult, not middle grade. It just worked perfectly for me.
This book is magical realism and shows a clear love for the genre. While it does include magical realism authors and references that someone well-versed in the genre may appreciate, I think the real magic comes from turning reality into a constant guessing game. You’re never sure what’s magic and what’s just in Clarence’s head. The author also uses this toward the end of the story to make some beautiful statements about why magical realism is appealing. As someone unfamiliar with the genre who loved this book, I don’t think you need to be well-read in magical realism to appreciate these elements.
The ending threw me for a loop. I didn’t know what to make of it. I either hated it’s explanations or I had to recontextualize how I saw the entire story. Given my rating, I obviously chose the latter. This went from a fun story to a genuinely meaningful ball of contemplation. I feel like I see the world just a little bit differently now.
Finally, this book is fucking hilarious. Many late reading nights were spent trying not to giggle like an idiot and wake up my husband.
ashcomb's review against another edition
5.0
Trying to explain this book might give too much away of the mystery you have to discover. But I can tell you that the book transports the obsession of the old masters, Poe, Kafka, to name a few, to a new, modern stage with programmers, NSA, hacking, and video games. There is a hint of that same feverish writing. You have to believe that Clarence (the main character) and the bird tracks will lead you to something meaningful. And they do. For me to speculate about why this book was written and what the special is would again spoil the story for you, and I don't want to do that. (And no, I don't stay silent, because I don't know what that special is. I believe I do, or at least my take on the matter.)
This book is for anyone who is looking for something different from the usual story-driven books with a clear structure. That said, I'm not saying the book has thrown out all the convention, no. There is a story, there is an opening, middle, and ending. But a good writer knows how to break the pattern and bring something new to it, and Raymond St. Elmo is a good writer. This book is a dialogue between the character and the story, the narration and the reader, and the old masters and the writer. So many levels to stay and wonder about the written word and the bird tracks. Never forget those. A weird book with a hint of magic painted against reality.
My thoughts, oh, there were places I was at the edge of my seat, not knowing where we (the character and I) would end up. I loved that feeling of mystery, and the book kept it from start to finish. However, sometimes I was a little lost. I decided not to struggle against such a notion, letting the words lead me, and that was the right decision. Because enjoying is better than getting caught in minor details or my personal taste. Yes, I could complain about the inconclusive occurrences and layering that might need clarity. Still, I see those as part of magical realism that I can let go of those issues. Also, the references to old books in the imagery and language sometimes went beyond what was needed in the story, but I can look past that too. All this because the book kept me reading, it surprised me, it was fresh, raw, and full of emotion. And I keep thinking catch-42 (not 22.) So, shoo, go and read the book, the birds are waiting for you.
Thank you for reading! Always greet the birds and the raccoons! Hello, Miss Bird! Hello, Miss Raccoon!
This book is for anyone who is looking for something different from the usual story-driven books with a clear structure. That said, I'm not saying the book has thrown out all the convention, no. There is a story, there is an opening, middle, and ending. But a good writer knows how to break the pattern and bring something new to it, and Raymond St. Elmo is a good writer. This book is a dialogue between the character and the story, the narration and the reader, and the old masters and the writer. So many levels to stay and wonder about the written word and the bird tracks. Never forget those. A weird book with a hint of magic painted against reality.
My thoughts, oh, there were places I was at the edge of my seat, not knowing where we (the character and I) would end up. I loved that feeling of mystery, and the book kept it from start to finish. However, sometimes I was a little lost. I decided not to struggle against such a notion, letting the words lead me, and that was the right decision. Because enjoying is better than getting caught in minor details or my personal taste. Yes, I could complain about the inconclusive occurrences and layering that might need clarity. Still, I see those as part of magical realism that I can let go of those issues. Also, the references to old books in the imagery and language sometimes went beyond what was needed in the story, but I can look past that too. All this because the book kept me reading, it surprised me, it was fresh, raw, and full of emotion. And I keep thinking catch-42 (not 22.) So, shoo, go and read the book, the birds are waiting for you.
Thank you for reading! Always greet the birds and the raccoons! Hello, Miss Bird! Hello, Miss Raccoon!
barb4ry1's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting book, for sure. Three hundred pages of bird tracks scribbled out in pen. Not something you see often nowadays.
Joking. Although it does contain bird tracks. And much more.
Raymond St. Elmo not only has a remarkable imagination but also the skills to translate that onto the page. His books tend to play with the narrative and blur the lines between reality and feverish dreams. They tell the story, celebrate the meaning of stories, and pay homage to literary heroes (JL Borges, Italo Calvino, Franz Kafka, Philip K. Dick, EA Poe) while making readers laugh.
It's easy to like the story's protagonist Clarence St. Claire, a programmer who cherishes an orderly life and has a fondness for languages. Socially awkward, rather shy, he finds fulfillment in developing artificial intelligence. He's doing well. He even keeps up the pretense of being serious. Not for long, though. A mysterious manuscript from his past returns to haunt him. Clarence needs to know if pages of bird prints contain hidden meaning or not. He goes as far as to dream JL Borges into existence to learn the truth. In consequence, he'll have to face a secret order of past writers.
The Origin of Birds in The Footprints of Writing is a book about books, languages, magical and virtual reality. It's in turns fantastic, nostalgic, funny, thoughtful, and bananas. Above all, though, it resonated with me. It has more serious moments, but overall I found the tone light and humorous. Much of what happens, especially in the middle of the book, is insane and Clarence’s adventures made me think of a grown-up version of Alice in Wonderland. St. Elmo plays with literary references and fates of his characters (say, deceased authors) were written by themselves in their famous literary works. Here, though, imaginary blends with the real.
After stepping through a Spirit Door, Clarence finds himself in the labyrinthine Dark Library and the narrative turns feverish. He meets dead writers, birds, hackers, discusses words and meanings. He even learns about the sexual life of books:
At some point, this part of the book tried to tie together a lot of dreams. Though it never got to the point where it got confusing, I did not feel invested in all aspects of the story. But that's just a minor complaint.
I loved this book and found it hard to put down. I know it won't appeal to everyone, but if you love books and languages, I urge you to give it a chance.
Joking. Although it does contain bird tracks. And much more.
Raymond St. Elmo not only has a remarkable imagination but also the skills to translate that onto the page. His books tend to play with the narrative and blur the lines between reality and feverish dreams. They tell the story, celebrate the meaning of stories, and pay homage to literary heroes (JL Borges, Italo Calvino, Franz Kafka, Philip K. Dick, EA Poe) while making readers laugh.
It's easy to like the story's protagonist Clarence St. Claire, a programmer who cherishes an orderly life and has a fondness for languages. Socially awkward, rather shy, he finds fulfillment in developing artificial intelligence. He's doing well. He even keeps up the pretense of being serious. Not for long, though. A mysterious manuscript from his past returns to haunt him. Clarence needs to know if pages of bird prints contain hidden meaning or not. He goes as far as to dream JL Borges into existence to learn the truth. In consequence, he'll have to face a secret order of past writers.
The Origin of Birds in The Footprints of Writing is a book about books, languages, magical and virtual reality. It's in turns fantastic, nostalgic, funny, thoughtful, and bananas. Above all, though, it resonated with me. It has more serious moments, but overall I found the tone light and humorous. Much of what happens, especially in the middle of the book, is insane and Clarence’s adventures made me think of a grown-up version of Alice in Wonderland. St. Elmo plays with literary references and fates of his characters (say, deceased authors) were written by themselves in their famous literary works. Here, though, imaginary blends with the real.
After stepping through a Spirit Door, Clarence finds himself in the labyrinthine Dark Library and the narrative turns feverish. He meets dead writers, birds, hackers, discusses words and meanings. He even learns about the sexual life of books:
"Sure, you can pretend it is just how the books talk to each other," he continued. "Umberto Eco described it as conversation going on across centuries. But no; it's sex. One book argues with another from an earlier time, and their argument gives birth to a shelf of little lesser arguers. Or a book inspires a painting that creates a discussion that leads to a piece of music that leads to a play that inspires a book that argues with all its parents. Kids. God knows they are all quoting each other, stealing from each other, passing the DNA along. And when translation and transcribing go off-track you get mutation. Maybe even evolution."
At some point, this part of the book tried to tie together a lot of dreams. Though it never got to the point where it got confusing, I did not feel invested in all aspects of the story. But that's just a minor complaint.
I loved this book and found it hard to put down. I know it won't appeal to everyone, but if you love books and languages, I urge you to give it a chance.
tashillia's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
reflective
5.0
If you've ever solved a linguistic problem (think IOL), you'll get hooked from the beginning. Liking birds helps, liking magical realism dooms you further.
This book is full of love of language and literature (usually when a book is about stories, it seems to focus on narratives, but this one looked more at words and imagery, which I personally am all for). Despite never-ending nods to Borges, Calvino, Kafka, and so on, it has statements of its own (and all the above-mentioned personalities would like to make a joint statement that CLARENCE IS ANNOYING; loved this, as you may have guessed). So I definitely came out with images I will remember and reference, not only the desire to read more of Borges, Calvino, Kafka, and so on.
I would have tried to hunt the manuscript as well, the fragements were good and mysterious (and I weirdly associated most of them with Piranesi).
I also cannot believe the Philip K. Dick Android is real. Was he real before I read the book? No way to know now.
This book is full of love of language and literature (usually when a book is about stories, it seems to focus on narratives, but this one looked more at words and imagery, which I personally am all for). Despite never-ending nods to Borges, Calvino, Kafka, and so on, it has statements of its own (and all the above-mentioned personalities would like to make a joint statement that CLARENCE IS ANNOYING; loved this, as you may have guessed). So I definitely came out with images I will remember and reference, not only the desire to read more of Borges, Calvino, Kafka, and so on.
I would have tried to hunt the manuscript as well, the fragements were good and mysterious (and I weirdly associated most of them with Piranesi).
I also cannot believe the Philip K. Dick Android is real. Was he real before I read the book? No way to know now.
jlrosen's review against another edition
5.0
I have no idea what happened here, but I enjoyed every bit of my lack of comprehension.