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anywiebs's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not sure where this wanted to go, and didn't like where it went.
Admittedly, I don't really care for this type of narrator, his characteristcs.
Admittedly, I don't really care for this type of narrator, his characteristcs.
stacialithub's review against another edition
3.0
A reasonably entertaining tale built around a modern retelling of the Jason & the Argonauts myth.
buggy's review against another edition
3.0
If you asked me to explain what this book was about, I could not. But I did enjoy reading it.
bravadette's review against another edition
Reads like a long poem from the point of view of a man who believes he has seen the world yet decides to embark on an expedition through unknown waters. It was slow at first but every detail builds in it's momentum onto a grand coda that gives way to exposed lands, the way waves pull back from the shore, only to return at colossi before crashing into precious, pearlescent foam. Don't give up before the voyage ends or you'll miss the change in tide.
embiguity's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jgwc54e5's review against another edition
4.0
Well this is hard to describe , such an unusual book. It’s lightly humorous yet carries some quite dark undertones. The narrator is an Icelandic pompous , selfinterested old fool who doesn’t seem to realise how ridiculous he is. This is how the book opens:
“
I, Valdimar Haraldsson, was in my twenty-seventh year when I embarked on the publication of a small journal devoted to my chief preoccupation, the link between fish consumption and the superiority of the Nordic race.”
In 1949, He gets invited on a cruise on a Norwegian boat where the first mate tells tales of his travels every night after dinner. His name is Caeneus and turns out he is a mythical figure who travelled on the Argo with Jason and his argonauts. The stories are in marked contrast to the speech Haraldsson gives and his normal day to day thoughts and conversations.
I enjoyed this combination of retelling of Greek myth and Norse counterparts with an interesting cast of characters. I’m sure I’ll be thinking about it for ages and leaves me thinking I need to read up on some greek classics (Ovid, Euripides are included in the sources)!
“
I, Valdimar Haraldsson, was in my twenty-seventh year when I embarked on the publication of a small journal devoted to my chief preoccupation, the link between fish consumption and the superiority of the Nordic race.”
In 1949, He gets invited on a cruise on a Norwegian boat where the first mate tells tales of his travels every night after dinner. His name is Caeneus and turns out he is a mythical figure who travelled on the Argo with Jason and his argonauts. The stories are in marked contrast to the speech Haraldsson gives and his normal day to day thoughts and conversations.
I enjoyed this combination of retelling of Greek myth and Norse counterparts with an interesting cast of characters. I’m sure I’ll be thinking about it for ages and leaves me thinking I need to read up on some greek classics (Ovid, Euripides are included in the sources)!
frankthepegasus's review against another edition
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
trpengelly's review against another edition
5.0
A real gem, exploring the joy and absurdity of traditional storytelling. Laugh out loud moments, beautiful imagery, elegant writing, and fish. Lots of fish.
juliamascioli's review against another edition
4.0
What a strange, lyrical book. I'd like someone else to read it and help me unpack that ending...
Also, on a purely superficial level, I'm in love with the design of the book. I can't stop turning it over in my hands and marveling at the wonderful cover.
Also, on a purely superficial level, I'm in love with the design of the book. I can't stop turning it over in my hands and marveling at the wonderful cover.
laurajasmijn's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-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
2.0