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meganpbell's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? No
3.75
This modern classic is a postmodern puzzle following “you,” the Reader (obviously a dude) and the Other Reader (an attractive woman) on a quest to find a full story, each time finding a book incomplete or misprinted, and thus over and over getting hooked by a series of incipits (openings of texts). A kaleidoscopic examination of reading and writing and storytelling ensues—and a book I found clever, amusing, challenging, a little boring, and frustrating (1970s gender & sexuality 🙄) at times.
Content Warnings
Minor: Stalking, Incest, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
bengibbreid's review
challenging
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I thoroughly enjoyed this romp in pursuit of a story. Some of them were uncomfortable and strange, but its surrealism overall appealed to me. The joy of discovery in this book made it a meta-thing, interpreting what good stories feel like to find and leave behind, and how we interact with written narratives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Misogyny
sarah984's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I loved the structure of this novel, with the unnamed protagonist going to increasingly bizarre lengths to try and read a complete novel (especially a couple of the twists near the end), but unfortunately most of the novels themselves were not good (they got worse to read as the book progressed) and every woman made me cringe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Confinement, Gaslighting, Incest, Kidnapping, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, and War
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Colonisation, Racial slurs, and Racism
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