Reviews

Portrait of an Unknown Lady by María Gainza

soy_sputnik's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Me encanta cómo cuenta las cosas maría gainza. Es graciosa a su manera. Y esa forma de ser graciosa además está cargada de inteligencia y astucia y conocimiento sobre detalles del arte que yo desconozco pero quisiera conocer más. Quiero seguirla leyendo.

laurenrdsteis's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

This was a huge miss for me. Maybe it was because I listened to the audio rather than reading the physical book? Maybe just not in the right headspace for it now? Maybe I set unfair expectations? I went into it really excited about the art forgery aspect but was unimpressed. I feel unsatisfied and almost gave up on it entirely but it's such a short read so I stuck it out. Just not my cup of tea I suppose!

the_spines's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Lovely and very ethereal. Did a lot of underlining in this book! Art and forgeries are of particular interest to me so I could see it being a little less entertaining for those who aren't as into the subject matter. But gorgeously written, such vibes.

tormentademar's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

“Curioso: he notado que una no escribe ni para recordar ni para olvidar, ni para encontrar alivio ni para curarse de una pena. Una escribe para auscultarse, para entender qué tiene dentro”

shilten_k's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful informative mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

sonyalaw5's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

“Any person reading this ought not to expect names, numbers, or dates. The stuff of my tale has slipped through my fingers, all that remains now is a little of the atmosphere; my techniques are those of the impressionist, and not even the neo-kind.”

elliottfinch's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

discusses the value of authenticity in art in a truly impressionistic way. beautifully written and a pleasure to read, but at times difficult to understand. individual characters glow like portrait subjects. you see an image of them exactly how they would like to be seen, and then they are gone. a unique book that is definitely not for everyone.

astroandbooksbyjess's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Una frase:"Cuando un ser querido muere, el acto reflejo es básico, e intuyo, universal: uno vuelve mentalmente a esa persona, repasa los temas de conversación, rescata el viejo léxico de guiños y chistes internos, revisita los lugares comunes. No lo hace por masoquismo, lo hace para mantenerlo vivo, «to keep the ball rolling», decía Conrad, porque un día la persona que más querés desaparece y te das cuenta de que la charla quedó trunca. En esos momentos no le reclamamos al pasado recuerdos lindos, con que sean recuerdos, alcanza y sobra"

Falsificación, duelo, buscar respuestas, y harto chisme. Me gusto porque hay un duelo y de ahi la protagonista quierr buscar a la negra una mujer importante para su amiga que falleció

chachachuy's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous 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

3.0

Leído para el Guadalupe-Reinas 2023 bajo la consigna de ganadora del Sor Juana.

Me atrapó desde el principio y me tenía con el jesús en la boca pero, en el último tercio, entre la búsqueda de la Negra y su decidir dejar de buscarla le perdí el hilo.

vanessabc's review against another edition

Go to review page

inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5