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dude_watchin_with_the_brontes's review against another edition
3.0
This was a really well-written book, it's just that it wasn't what I was looking for at the moment. The blurbs on the back of the book implied that there would be moments of levity mixed in with the heavy subject matter, so it was much bleaker than I was expecting. In any case, it's a good counterpoint to stories that idealize Tibet.
homefreys's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
_sarah_reads_'s review against another edition
2.0
Based on the afterword, which I’m really glad I read, I understand that this is an important work. And I enjoyed the writing. The subject matter was just a bit brutal for me. Women do not fare well in these stories.
gandhisaurus's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
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
3.25
robblar_'s review
3.0
First foray into literature by Ma Jian.
Had a sense of alienation I can identify with. Liked the indifference nature had to the human characters throughout.
Have noted criticisms of the depictions the short stories make of Tibetan people and more widely agree with comments about the use and characterisation of female characters by the author are that often typical of a male author.
Had a sense of alienation I can identify with. Liked the indifference nature had to the human characters throughout.
Have noted criticisms of the depictions the short stories make of Tibetan people and more widely agree with comments about the use and characterisation of female characters by the author are that often typical of a male author.
aradhyatrivedi's review
adventurous
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
_mallc_'s review against another edition
3.0
As I read this I found it shocking, distrubing, frightening and confusing. I began to think near the end that I did not have enough knowledge about China, Tibet, or Buddhism to truly understand the stories. Then I got to the afterword by the author. I was so glad I stuck it through because the afterword added much needed context to the book. Some of the things the author discusses in the afterword just blew my mind. It gave me a much better appreciation of the book and made me like it a lot better.
sophiavass's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0