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esther_a_'s review against another edition
3.25
Quirky, fun and entertaining.
Some references were a bit repetitive but it was refreshing to read short stories that were interconnected.
Some references were a bit repetitive but it was refreshing to read short stories that were interconnected.
hannahlockwood's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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? N/A
2.75
carovazquez's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
While hard for me to get into at the beginning, I really enjoyed the interconnectedness of these 11 short stories that slowly revealed itself as the book progressed. Although, I do have to say that I probably enjoyed that particular aspect of the book more than the individual stories themselves. I did love the writing, though! So witty and kind of reminiscent of Roald Dahl's writing, which I absolutely adore!
So overall, while most of the stories didn't exactly captivate me plot-wise, the general concept of the book and the author's writing style did and I would totally consider reading more of Kate Atkinson's work in the future!
So overall, while most of the stories didn't exactly captivate me plot-wise, the general concept of the book and the author's writing style did and I would totally consider reading more of Kate Atkinson's work in the future!
ihilate's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
migmig's review against another edition
5.0
Charming a bit silly maybe, but great company on a drive across flat southern Texas.
jenjamin's review against another edition
The very first story, The Void, was very good and if the other story's maintained that quality I would have continued. However, past the first story it's honestly a very boring collection. There are many good books to read and I don't have the time to waste on a mediocre one.
latad_books's review against another edition
4.0
Kate Atkinson returns with a collection of loosely connected short stories. They hop and skip through various genres, making them hard to categorize. For example: there's an apocalypse that occurs more or less by clockwork, a talking horse, witches, a dead woman wandering an afterlife, an actor falling for a prince, a soap opera, a man meeting his girlfriend's family, and other interesting elements that play with fairy tales, family drama and satire.
Each short is unsettling, odd, and darkly humourous, while Atkinson demonstrates narrative control with a sprinkling of whimsy. I also liked the sense of surrealism and horror all delivered in each story, leaving one in appreciation of the author's experience and wit.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Each short is unsettling, odd, and darkly humourous, while Atkinson demonstrates narrative control with a sprinkling of whimsy. I also liked the sense of surrealism and horror all delivered in each story, leaving one in appreciation of the author's experience and wit.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
hannah_gunn's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5