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pattydsf's review against another edition
2.0
”The bed – their old bed – is this deep, precious space, the only thing she wants. She listens to whatever tape recordings she has of Perry, never changing her clothes, never wanting to leave the small comfort of their old sheets, her few yards of sanctuary.”
Another odd book that I would never have found without the Tournament of Books. This was a hard read for me and there were several times that I was very glad that Chiem only wrote 192 pages. The first and third sections of the novel revolved around the world of pornography movies. I never had any real interest in this industry and these sections didn’t make me want to know any more,
I liked the second section because it was straightforward. It was the only part of the book that I could really buy into. The other two sections were like fever dreams. I mean who keeps a pond full of hippos? I’m supposed to believe in their actual existence?
Although this novel will never go on my list of favorite books, I was somewhat delighted to find that Chiem referenced one of my favorite Dan Savage quotations.
(https://topatoco.com/collections/savage-lovecast/products/sav-fufi-mug) I assume that the quote has moved into general knowledge, but Savage was the first person I heard say it.
Another odd book that I would never have found without the Tournament of Books. This was a hard read for me and there were several times that I was very glad that Chiem only wrote 192 pages. The first and third sections of the novel revolved around the world of pornography movies. I never had any real interest in this industry and these sections didn’t make me want to know any more,
I liked the second section because it was straightforward. It was the only part of the book that I could really buy into. The other two sections were like fever dreams. I mean who keeps a pond full of hippos? I’m supposed to believe in their actual existence?
Although this novel will never go on my list of favorite books, I was somewhat delighted to find that Chiem referenced one of my favorite Dan Savage quotations.
(https://topatoco.com/collections/savage-lovecast/products/sav-fufi-mug) I assume that the quote has moved into general knowledge, but Savage was the first person I heard say it.
bidoofaloof's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book a lot! Richard Chiem has a unique approach to language, detail, humor, and pop culture that places this book just to the left of realism, which is one of my favorite places for a book to live. That being said, the structure didn't quite gel for me and characters in a persistently drug-addled state are just a smidge less compelling to me as a reader than I'd like.
Would recommend to some people—will definitely seek out his other novel.
Would recommend to some people—will definitely seek out his other novel.
pearloz's review against another edition
3.0
WTF even is this book? The beginning of the book, set in a pornography commune, was strange enough. But when our protagonist and her friend escape only to seek solace at a rival pornographer’s mansion complete with a moat filled with hippos, it began to stretch credulity. The moment the hippos showed up and were revealed to be real and not some drug-fueled fever dream, you just knew someone was going to get eaten by one.
The Perry Corvus interlude was my favorite part of the book. But that ended abruptly and ruinously.
The final third/quarter was insane. Original pornographer and rival pornographer conspire to trap our mains in electrified cages, only for the first pornographer to betray the second and re-kidnap our pros. Their escape by boat and the kidnapper’s inevitable demise at the mouth of a hippo reeks of deus ex machina. And I think I didn’t like this book that much.
The Perry Corvus interlude was my favorite part of the book. But that ended abruptly and ruinously.
The final third/quarter was insane. Original pornographer and rival pornographer conspire to trap our mains in electrified cages, only for the first pornographer to betray the second and re-kidnap our pros. Their escape by boat and the kidnapper’s inevitable demise at the mouth of a hippo reeks of deus ex machina. And I think I didn’t like this book that much.
itacuz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A quick read that feels like an honest depiction of someone spiraling into really dangerous, gonzo pornography. It walked the line between melodrama and hyper-serious reality, occasionally stumbling to either side before righting itself again. The best moments were of shared humanity between sex workers, the worst were never really bad. Looking forward to more from Richar Chiem.
maya_irl's review against another edition
3.0
"I pretended I was indestructible to pass the time..."
caseythereader's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal death, Blood, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Grief, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Trafficking
bookalong's review against another edition
5.0
An Very Enthralling Read!
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This is the kind of book I'm always longing to read. With characters that are so achingly real and human. And a story that grabs you and you dont want to let go. In this short novel Richard Chiem has achieved something remarkable!
Corvus's character is so excellently done. From her melancholy and haunting past we get to see her fight for her future. I loved every minute of reading this book. I really didnt want it to end. Chiem has a way with language that is seductive, brilliant and beautiful. I will be thinking about this book for a long while and waiting for whatever he does next.
•
THANK YOU the the Publisher for sending me this ARC
•
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
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This is the kind of book I'm always longing to read. With characters that are so achingly real and human. And a story that grabs you and you dont want to let go. In this short novel Richard Chiem has achieved something remarkable!
Corvus's character is so excellently done. From her melancholy and haunting past we get to see her fight for her future. I loved every minute of reading this book. I really didnt want it to end. Chiem has a way with language that is seductive, brilliant and beautiful. I will be thinking about this book for a long while and waiting for whatever he does next.
•
THANK YOU the the Publisher for sending me this ARC
•
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
pyontek's review against another edition
4.0
A weird, beautiful book. Captures the details of depression and grief so honestly.
meeshreads's review against another edition
5.0
This book had me mesmerized. It's very short and would be perfect to read in one sitting, but it's also kind of bleak. The jumps around in time kept it from getting too depressing, and it was over before I knew it with an ending that felt like a dream. Finished it last night and still thinking about it. If you like your summertime/beach reads a bit unpredictable, dark, and unsettling, I would absolutely recommend this one!