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peripetia's reviews
452 reviews
The Idiot by Elif Batuman
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I have been thinking about this book a lot. When I started it, I was convinced after the first few pages that this would be one of my favorite books this year. Then, as the story progressed and also didn't, I started to doubt my prediction.
Even as I was reading the book, I felt like I will have to - and I do want to - re-read it. I'm certain there were things that I missed in the layers that I just haven't uncovered. Am I smart enough to know how smart this book is? I truly don't know, but I doubt it. Maybe the book really wasn't that deep, but I find that hard to believe when the writer has a PhD in comparative literature.
Although I probably missed half of what was being said, I got enough out of it to keep me entertained. Even when this book was, well, boring, something was going on beneath the surface with something to think about or analyze.
The first part of the book was extremely funny for me, but the laugh-out-loud moments were less common later in the book, maybe because of Selin's changing mood. The observations about mundane things were still fantastic.
I think some parts could have been cut. There was maaaaybe a little bit too much meandering with no point.
This is definitely not for everyone, but a good literary fiction novel for those who like to say "what does it all mean?" without coming up with any answers.
P.S. Why does everyone hate Ivan? I don't get it.
Even as I was reading the book, I felt like I will have to - and I do want to - re-read it. I'm certain there were things that I missed in the layers that I just haven't uncovered. Am I smart enough to know how smart this book is? I truly don't know, but I doubt it. Maybe the book really wasn't that deep, but I find that hard to believe when the writer has a PhD in comparative literature.
Although I probably missed half of what was being said, I got enough out of it to keep me entertained. Even when this book was, well, boring, something was going on beneath the surface with something to think about or analyze.
The first part of the book was extremely funny for me, but the laugh-out-loud moments were less common later in the book, maybe because of Selin's changing mood. The observations about mundane things were still fantastic.
I think some parts could have been cut. There was maaaaybe a little bit too much meandering with no point.
This is definitely not for everyone, but a good literary fiction novel for those who like to say "what does it all mean?" without coming up with any answers.
P.S. Why does everyone hate Ivan? I don't get it.
Perno Mega City by Noora Vallinkoski
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
Tämä menee nyt kyllä enemmän 3,5 tähden puolelle, mutta pyöristän ylöspäin koska osui niin kovaa tunteisiin ja muistoihin. Kirjana tämä ei lopulta ole minusta hirveän vahva - juonta ei juurikaan ole, vain erillisiä katkelmia. Ihan kaikkia anekdootteja ei ehkä olisi tarvinnut laittaa. Kirja myös loppui niin äkkiä, että mietin edelleenkin tuliko Ellibsin lukuohjelmaan vain joku bugi vai missä loput on.
Kirja saa 3 tähteä jo ihan vaan siitä, että tällaisista aiheista ei Suomessa tai muuallakaan kirjoiteta, varsinkaan näin ns. sisäpiiriläisen näkökulmasta. Kirjallisuus on äärimmäisen keski- ja yläluokkainen harrastus ja ammatti. Kaikenlainen luokka-analyysi uppoaa itselleni aina.
Kirja saa 3 tähteä jo ihan vaan siitä, että tällaisista aiheista ei Suomessa tai muuallakaan kirjoiteta, varsinkaan näin ns. sisäpiiriläisen näkökulmasta. Kirjallisuus on äärimmäisen keski- ja yläluokkainen harrastus ja ammatti. Kaikenlainen luokka-analyysi uppoaa itselleni aina.
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was a little bit different, even quirky, but not in an annoying way, at least to me. The book is mostly the main character's musings about life and horoscopes, which I liked in the end.
The book is slow. I spent maybe the first 1/3 of the book waiting for it to start, only to realize it had, without me noticing it. That was great.
In short, I'm happy I read this book. This is great if you like atmospheric books and interesting characters.
The book is slow. I spent maybe the first 1/3 of the book waiting for it to start, only to realize it had, without me noticing it. That was great.
In short, I'm happy I read this book. This is great if you like atmospheric books and interesting characters.