alexander_jabber's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really enjoyed the style of writing and the story was interesting but some of the themes put a bad taste in my mouth and they were not related to the fact that the book is from another time.
hewigum's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
I have… thoughts. Apparently the author murdered his wife?? Also, this book is called an «autobiographical self-portrait of a novel», and that is concerning as hell. Not only was Lee, our main character insufferable, he was also racist and 100% a pedophile.
«Six or seven boys, ages twelve to fourteen, were playing in a heap of rubbish on the waterfront»
«He focused on one boy, the image sharp and clear, as if seen through a telescope with the other boys and the waterfront blacked out. The boy vibrated with life like a young animal. A wide grin showed sharp white teeth. Under the torn shirt Lee glimpsed the thin body. He could feel himself in the body of the boy. […]»
«I saw some beautiful boys on the waterfont. The real uncut boy stuff. Such teeth, such smiles. Young bodies vibrating with life.» EW. This man is FORTY.
Also how the main character treated Eugene was just… weird.
I also didn’t vibe with the writing style, which I guess is a personal thing.
But in the end: I don’t recommend. 🙂
jazz_themortal's review against another edition
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Stalking, Sexual content, Xenophobia, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug use, Addiction, and Cursing
Minor: Slavery, Pedophilia, and Body shaming
caseylovett's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Moderate: Addiction and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual assault
mpal's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
dhalse's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
sethwr's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0