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jeninmotion's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
Unexpected delight; evocative short stories that weren't completely opaque or so meta they didn't make any sense.
cheryl6of8's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so terribly Russian in flavor that it is astonishing that it was written in English rather than translated. A collection of stories spanning multiple eras and locations and examining the human condition with a keen awareness of human failings and, largely, a sense of fatalism. The first story, set in WWII Russia is a sad look at the limitations of friendship and the bases for many of the interactions we call friendship. Vera's Grove is lovely and heartbreakingly sad and, again, examines the limits and bases of relationships. I think my favorite in the entire book is the final story, about a young and naive teacher tasked with teaching sex ed to high school girls without a formal curriculum. The ending of the story is so hopeful that it made my impression of the entire book more positive.
rozereads's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
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