Reviews

Black Swan Green by David Mitchell

ultimatekate's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a collection of short stories, based on the same character. The book sleeve compares it to "The Catcher in the Rye," but I have to say that I liked this book 1000 times more than "Catcher." The main character, as a younger adolescent, is very well-written, relatable character. Plus, he's likeable, something Holden is not.

erinfoose's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

gskmaple25's review against another edition

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5.0

Can't understand why more people haven't read this!!! Fantastic read!

mrs_bonaventure's review against another edition

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5.0

This was stunning. Vivid, immediate, real, and intricate too with small short stories and character sketches that took my breath away here and there, they were so perfectly caught. And maybe because I was about the same age in the Eighties, so much of it resonated, from the parents' way of being in the world to the food to the music (nostalgia!). It's immersive and insightful at the same time. Amazing.

mrswhite's review against another edition

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5.0

I've heard this called a British Catcher in the Rye, and although the protagonist isn't nearly as depressed or angst-ridden, the comparison is apt. It's a beautiful, poignant character sketch of a fictional boy who I wished were real so I could be his friend. I loved it.

edkohen's review against another edition

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3.0

The book started off strong. About half way through, it stopped reading like a novel and felt like a collection of vignettes.

lynnenad's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Very much a straightforward coming of age story full of school bullies, a first kiss, family drama. Some of Mitchell’s turns of phrase are delightful and these make the book worth reading. Otherwise an easy read with nothing really remarkable about it. 

ashryn's review

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adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

4.5

neuroqueer_af's review against another edition

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3.0

Nicely written comming-of-age story about how much it sucks to be 13 and different. Not much more to it than that, though.

checkplease's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 Stars