I was looking forward to reading this one and complete the series. I'm not sure what to say now that I'm done reading. The book is detailed, way too detailed, with 670 pages. The tone did match Edward's, and the backstories of other Cullens were interesting. But it went on and on and on. Couldn't we have had the same story in less than 500 pages? Edward's monologue does get boring after a while. There are only so many times one can read about his dilemma (staying or leaving) without rolling our eyes.
Anyway, my curiosity is satisfied. The book is finally out, and I've read it. Phew!

3.75

The book's got its hits and misses, but it's worth reading. Bearable heroine, not-so-bearable ex, cute bestie, and loving new crush. the 'elements' (excuse the bad pun) have been handled well. Writing is easy to read, and the themes are dealt with care.

I'm not sure if it was supposed to be scary or not. For me, it wasn't. While I got used to the long winding sentences, I couldn't fell the chill of the place or the eerie feeling that paralyzed the narrator. It seemed quite foggy, just like the marsh and its surroundings. The actual plot was quite simple with bare minimum information about the ghost, while it had just about everything about the locations. Only the abrupt ending added some pace to the dragging narrative.

This is my first book by the author and came as a personal recco. I went in blind, without reading even the blurb.
The beginning was kinda slow and heavy yet detached. This is one book that got the detached tone so right. It took time to get into the book. But I soon doubled the pace. The descriptions are vivid (even gross at one point). The combination of genres was what I loved the most; magic realism and dark fantasy yet neither overpowers the narration.
Lettie and her gran steal the show. The nameless narrator stays just that- narrator rather than a character despite having such an important role to play in the story.
The end was a wee bit disappointing as I prefer conclusive ones. But it does leave me on a positive note.
Overall, I like the theme and style. Will try another of the author soon.

I came across the title is one of those 'must-read' lists. Since it was a novella, I didn't hesitate before picking it up.
The novella has three governesses (mythical creatures?), a family house with huge gardens, the owners of the house, their little kids, a handful of little maids, and an elderly gentleman with a telescope.
What the story actually does, is nothing much. It starts at some point and ends at another point. It's like opening a dairy and reading random pages. The novella was called a fable by other reviewers. Guess it does fit in a way. It is surreal with a lot of philosophical undertones, wrapped in so-called semi-erotic and sensual description.
With books like this one, the best thing is to not try to make too much sense. Unless the reader wants to delve deeply into the philosophical aspects (which are in abundance), don't bother.
Someone said the book was one of the best translations from French to English, though I can't help but wonder if the prose lost its lyrical beauty during the translation. Not knowing French puts me at a disadvantage for sure. The English version seems a bit weird (in phrasing).
Overall, if you are looking for something different and (even) strange, pick this up.

Trigger warning (if required): Nudity, sexual assault (of a man).

Bittersweet collection of lovely stories.

4.3 stars

A fascinating story with an alluring prose and sudden short instances of dark humor. If only it didn't have as many adverbs that I started counting them. :(
Thoroughly enjoyed the book, despite some queasy incidents. The second half picks up pace and keeps us hooked.
The short story about Marquis's coat was a bonus.

Rating classics is never easy, and this book is no exception. The book might seem like one thing but it is entirely another when you realize that the author was using sarcasm and irony to take a dig at his fellowmen and women.
I found out there is an uncensored version out there, and I'm more interested in reading that to see why this book made so many people restless.
This book belongs to Henry more than it does to Dorian. After all, it's the puppeteer who pulls the strings, like it or not.