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4 / 4.5
Is it possible to be contrived and pretentious in a good way? Because that is how I feel about this book. It is elitist and pompous (the story and style), but I LOVED it. I will say, it does feel longer than it actually is (and it is already a chunk of a novel), but again, in a good way. The story just keeps unraveling, just when you think you have reached the main climax or conflict, you realize your are only a quarter/half/etc way through. Which is delightful when reading something you love – like finding one last chip in a bag you thought was finished!!!
I will say, despite some of the amazingly detailed reviews for this book, that I think it is better to go in with as little knowledge as possible. I knew, going in, that it was set in collage and centered around a small group of students… and assumed shenanigans would unfold…. And boy did they. Shenanigans and hijinks. But I am glad I went in with such little knowledge. It allowed me to get suck into the prose without being bogged down with trying to predict or guess at twists or plot points, and to let the story unfold as intended.
It is amazingly atmospheric and morose, and I feel like the characters balance intellectualism with naivety beautifully.
Is it possible to be contrived and pretentious in a good way? Because that is how I feel about this book. It is elitist and pompous (the story and style), but I LOVED it. I will say, it does feel longer than it actually is (and it is already a chunk of a novel), but again, in a good way. The story just keeps unraveling, just when you think you have reached the main climax or conflict, you realize your are only a quarter/half/etc way through. Which is delightful when reading something you love – like finding one last chip in a bag you thought was finished!!!
I will say, despite some of the amazingly detailed reviews for this book, that I think it is better to go in with as little knowledge as possible. I knew, going in, that it was set in collage and centered around a small group of students… and assumed shenanigans would unfold…. And boy did they. Shenanigans and hijinks. But I am glad I went in with such little knowledge. It allowed me to get suck into the prose without being bogged down with trying to predict or guess at twists or plot points, and to let the story unfold as intended.
It is amazingly atmospheric and morose, and I feel like the characters balance intellectualism with naivety beautifully.
Spoiler
What I loved was the unspoken implications regarding Julian, the professor. Tartt allowed for speculation regarding his involvement/encouragement of the atrocities preformed by the students. He isolated them, shaped their way of thinking and left breadcrumbs (or perhaps even more for Henry) for them to follow down a horrific path. And then could wipe his hands of it completely. His arc was so discreet and quiet and for a lot of the novel his contribution to the narrative felt hollow… but when you sit with it, everything gets traced back to him, his ideas and ideals, and how he essentially groomed a group of people at the height of their venerability. That is what keeps me continuously thinking about this well after I put it down!
“Thousands of years in the making, fine-tuned by woman in the dark creases of history, helping each other.” - pg 61
The interesting thing about the writing style of the book is how Zumas negated addressing the main woman by name, instead reducing them to titles (most that stem from relationships with others – The Wife, The Daughter… ), which was such a unique, powerful way of demonstrating the lack of agency woman have in this narrative. It honestly is a character study at it’s very finest.
I love the look at female competition and comparison – not just the nod to its existence, but the fact that the woman acknowledge it happening and struggle not to participate in it, even while recognizing the uselessness and toxicity. That even in a (not-so) dystopian ‘future’ where woman have even less control over their own lives, bodies and decisions, they are still conditioned to see other woman as competitors or yard-sticks, instead of relying on each other or coming together.
Such a phenomenal book, told is an intricate, nuanced way.
The interesting thing about the writing style of the book is how Zumas negated addressing the main woman by name, instead reducing them to titles (most that stem from relationships with others – The Wife, The Daughter… ), which was such a unique, powerful way of demonstrating the lack of agency woman have in this narrative. It honestly is a character study at it’s very finest.
I love the look at female competition and comparison – not just the nod to its existence, but the fact that the woman acknowledge it happening and struggle not to participate in it, even while recognizing the uselessness and toxicity. That even in a (not-so) dystopian ‘future’ where woman have even less control over their own lives, bodies and decisions, they are still conditioned to see other woman as competitors or yard-sticks, instead of relying on each other or coming together.
Such a phenomenal book, told is an intricate, nuanced way.
2.5
I was looking forward to this so much and it was... just okay :(
TBH, it was more like a 2 star read, but nostalgia for the first book bumped it up. I just feel like the writing was formulaic and lacked depth and nuance.
I was looking forward to this so much and it was... just okay :(
TBH, it was more like a 2 star read, but nostalgia for the first book bumped it up. I just feel like the writing was formulaic and lacked depth and nuance.
4.5 - might become a 5 it is sticks with me much longer
“Nothing scares idiots more than a smart girl” (chap 5)
“Never mess with someone who has more spare time than you do.” (Chap 19)
Although never explicitly stated, I think it is pretty safe to assume that Elsa falls somewhere on the spectrum, and while I normally prefer this type of representation to be explicitly stated (in order to be promoted for visibility), there is something about the way Backman has presented it here that works so well. Combined with the fact that, statistically, girls are less likely to have a formal diagnosis until latter in life (if at all) for ASD, and the careful way it has been woven into the narrative, I think this achieves a certain level of visibility without becoming alienating to those whose symptoms do not present in a similar way to Elsa. Be that as it may, I have no authority on this, and can not speak to the accuracy of the representation.
The Headmasters protection and promotion of toxic masculinity is unfortunately so accurate – “boys will be boys”, “boyish lark”, “just what boys’ do” is not an explanation or rationality for problematic behavior. The fact that it extends to, essentially, victim blaming (Elsa ‘must have provoked’ the boy into hitting her) and not uncovering the root of harassment and bullying is horribly common. Sometimes children are just plain cruel. But, also, often it is learnt or systemically modeled behavior that gets, at best, excused, at worst, defended and praised. The scene in the Principals office has such a strong impact because of how simplistically realistic it is. Which is what makes it so heartbreaking.
The characters have been allowed to be complex and layered, having their best and worst qualities on display, so they feel real and tangible. Even the majority of the side characters never feel reduced to stereotypes or plot devices. Characters do not have to be likable to be heroes – their flaws are really what makes each and every one so memorable. This is another case where I am blow away by the delicate beauty of Backmans' writing, and the fact that it has retained the beauty through translation.
“Nothing scares idiots more than a smart girl” (chap 5)
“Never mess with someone who has more spare time than you do.” (Chap 19)
Although never explicitly stated, I think it is pretty safe to assume that Elsa falls somewhere on the spectrum, and while I normally prefer this type of representation to be explicitly stated (in order to be promoted for visibility), there is something about the way Backman has presented it here that works so well. Combined with the fact that, statistically, girls are less likely to have a formal diagnosis until latter in life (if at all) for ASD, and the careful way it has been woven into the narrative, I think this achieves a certain level of visibility without becoming alienating to those whose symptoms do not present in a similar way to Elsa. Be that as it may, I have no authority on this, and can not speak to the accuracy of the representation.
The Headmasters protection and promotion of toxic masculinity is unfortunately so accurate – “boys will be boys”, “boyish lark”, “just what boys’ do” is not an explanation or rationality for problematic behavior. The fact that it extends to, essentially, victim blaming (Elsa ‘must have provoked’ the boy into hitting her) and not uncovering the root of harassment and bullying is horribly common. Sometimes children are just plain cruel. But, also, often it is learnt or systemically modeled behavior that gets, at best, excused, at worst, defended and praised. The scene in the Principals office has such a strong impact because of how simplistically realistic it is. Which is what makes it so heartbreaking.
The characters have been allowed to be complex and layered, having their best and worst qualities on display, so they feel real and tangible. Even the majority of the side characters never feel reduced to stereotypes or plot devices. Characters do not have to be likable to be heroes – their flaws are really what makes each and every one so memorable. This is another case where I am blow away by the delicate beauty of Backmans' writing, and the fact that it has retained the beauty through translation.
“It’s easier to stay optimistic if you never have to clear up the mess afterwards.”
This would actually be a 4.5, but let's round up for the sake of stars :)
If you liked Eleanor Oliphant, please read this book!!!
Britt-Marie is not an overly likable character from the get go, and anyone who has read “My grandmother sends her regards and apologizes/ My grandmother asked me to tell you she’s is sorry” can attest to that. However, she is absolutely fascinating and 100% stole my heart. As always, Backman makes you care about every character, he unwinds their narrative and allows you to uncover their backstories organically, you never feel like you are being ‘told’, you find things out as the characters do. Again, like in his prior work, Backman is the king of heart-tugging, unlikely friendships, and relationships that give ALL. THE. FEELS. I could not love Sammy and Britt-Marie’s relationship more, and between that and the quiet moments with Pirate/Ben, I could have dieddddd.
This is the last Backman book I had left to read to have completed all of his published work to date – I honestly do not know if there is any other author I can say that about (with the exception of debut authors, but… ya’know!). I will also pick up anything and everything that he puts out, once translated to English. I will say though, I find that I have enjoyed his books much more as audio, although I can not explain why. I think his style of writing, the way he uses reprise and repetition lends itself beautifully to be read aloud. If character-centric books are your thing, then Backman will not disappoint.
This would actually be a 4.5, but let's round up for the sake of stars :)
If you liked Eleanor Oliphant, please read this book!!!
Britt-Marie is not an overly likable character from the get go, and anyone who has read “My grandmother sends her regards and apologizes/ My grandmother asked me to tell you she’s is sorry” can attest to that. However, she is absolutely fascinating and 100% stole my heart. As always, Backman makes you care about every character, he unwinds their narrative and allows you to uncover their backstories organically, you never feel like you are being ‘told’, you find things out as the characters do. Again, like in his prior work, Backman is the king of heart-tugging, unlikely friendships, and relationships that give ALL. THE. FEELS. I could not love Sammy and Britt-Marie’s relationship more, and between that and the quiet moments with Pirate/Ben, I could have dieddddd.
This is the last Backman book I had left to read to have completed all of his published work to date – I honestly do not know if there is any other author I can say that about (with the exception of debut authors, but… ya’know!). I will also pick up anything and everything that he puts out, once translated to English. I will say though, I find that I have enjoyed his books much more as audio, although I can not explain why. I think his style of writing, the way he uses reprise and repetition lends itself beautifully to be read aloud. If character-centric books are your thing, then Backman will not disappoint.
A book about books and bookish people, loving books and bookstores and each other. Enough said.
“I wadn't aware that words could hold so much. I didn't know a sentence could be so full.”
This is one of those stories that creeps up on you and hollows out your insides. Our protagonist Kya, is the embodiment of resilience, self reliance and loneliness after she is slowly abandoned by everyone in her life, left with her marsh; her family and caregiver. A perfect balance of character study and well-paced plot, stunning prose and a quiet loveliness to the writing.
This book explores themes of loneliness, seclusion, prejudice, socioeconomic inequality, race, and what happens when someone is rejected by a close-nit society. But despite the nuanced melancholy, there is a constant undercurrent of hope – and how sometimes that is enough to allow someone to thrive.
Kya, our Marsh Girl, has fast become one of my favorite protagonist.
10/10 recommend reading this via audiobook – it is incredibly layered and the narration adds so much depth to the story.
This is one of those stories that creeps up on you and hollows out your insides. Our protagonist Kya, is the embodiment of resilience, self reliance and loneliness after she is slowly abandoned by everyone in her life, left with her marsh; her family and caregiver. A perfect balance of character study and well-paced plot, stunning prose and a quiet loveliness to the writing.
This book explores themes of loneliness, seclusion, prejudice, socioeconomic inequality, race, and what happens when someone is rejected by a close-nit society. But despite the nuanced melancholy, there is a constant undercurrent of hope – and how sometimes that is enough to allow someone to thrive.
Kya, our Marsh Girl, has fast become one of my favorite protagonist.
10/10 recommend reading this via audiobook – it is incredibly layered and the narration adds so much depth to the story.
Predictable, cookie-cutter domestic thriller. Our characters are forgettable, unengaging and, as one reviewer stated, Tom is a wet noodle. Just an all around ham sandwich of a person.
I often found that characters acted in direct juxtaposition with how we were told they were thinking and feeling, especially our main Detective. We were often told he was developing understanding and sympathy, that he saw and grasped the nuances of the situation, however in the very next paragraph he was a cold, manipulative hard-ass – not only defining the ‘show not tell’ approach to story telling, but opening showing and telling two very different narratives for the same character.
The ‘big reveal’ at the end was just an avalanche of information, not a twist. As a reader, I don’t like just having the conclusion stated frankly within the last 5 minutes, it feels cheap and convenient.
I often found that characters acted in direct juxtaposition with how we were told they were thinking and feeling, especially our main Detective. We were often told he was developing understanding and sympathy, that he saw and grasped the nuances of the situation, however in the very next paragraph he was a cold, manipulative hard-ass – not only defining the ‘show not tell’ approach to story telling, but opening showing and telling two very different narratives for the same character.
The ‘big reveal’ at the end was just an avalanche of information, not a twist. As a reader, I don’t like just having the conclusion stated frankly within the last 5 minutes, it feels cheap and convenient.
2.5... withholding star rating for now, as rating a memoir has always felt strange.
Read for #Blackathon and #FeministLitFeb 2019.
Normally, I am TRASH for a celebrate memoir. Utter Trash. Put me right in the bin. But this didn’t give me what I was craving, and that could be down to timing.
Ifs it funny – Yup!
Does Tiffany Haddish have a lot to take about and unique voice – 100%
Do I think that, in this, our lord of 20-bi-teen, a book that came out at the end of 2017 already feels dated – Absolutely. What some interpret as edge, could simply be missing the mark with me, but the way Haddish describes other woman, the way she speaks to and about them, and how they are treated, is just not the brand of feminism I gravitate to.
The references to Kevin Hart being such a stand up dude are also ill timed (for the time at which I have picked this book up).
Read for #Blackathon and #FeministLitFeb 2019.
Normally, I am TRASH for a celebrate memoir. Utter Trash. Put me right in the bin. But this didn’t give me what I was craving, and that could be down to timing.
Ifs it funny – Yup!
Does Tiffany Haddish have a lot to take about and unique voice – 100%
Do I think that, in this, our lord of 20-bi-teen, a book that came out at the end of 2017 already feels dated – Absolutely. What some interpret as edge, could simply be missing the mark with me, but the way Haddish describes other woman, the way she speaks to and about them, and how they are treated, is just not the brand of feminism I gravitate to.
The references to Kevin Hart being such a stand up dude are also ill timed (for the time at which I have picked this book up).