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Reviews
Work-Life Balance: Malevolent Managers and Folkloric Freelancers by Wayne Rée, Benjamin Chee
bookishspy's review
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
This was such an intriguing concept for a graphic novel/novella.
The way the author and artist both worked together to expand upon the stories they were telling was well done.
Where I was a bit disappointed was when I started getting attached to a character, it would switch stories or switch to comics and be told slightly differently. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it did leave me wanting more of certain characters than I actually received.
It was also a little confusing at times, probably because of the slight differences between the novella and the comic parts. Also, because I didn't know about the guide at the back of the book until after I was pretty much done.
The artwork was absolutely stunning, though!
Overall, I kind of wished the comic would add to the story starting where the novella ended instead of just retelling with slight changes. That would've been amazing. But for now, I'm not sure I really loved this as much as I wanted to
➛ 𝟐.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Thanks again to Tandem Collective Global and the authors for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The way the author and artist both worked together to expand upon the stories they were telling was well done.
Where I was a bit disappointed was when I started getting attached to a character, it would switch stories or switch to comics and be told slightly differently. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it did leave me wanting more of certain characters than I actually received.
It was also a little confusing at times, probably because of the slight differences between the novella and the comic parts. Also, because I didn't know about the guide at the back of the book until after I was pretty much done.
The artwork was absolutely stunning, though!
Overall, I kind of wished the comic would add to the story starting where the novella ended instead of just retelling with slight changes. That would've been amazing. But for now, I'm not sure I really loved this as much as I wanted to
➛ 𝟐.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
Thanks again to Tandem Collective Global and the authors for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
the_abundant_word's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
If you’ve ever had the urge to have a drink after work because of awful bosses, experienced the vague sensation of missing some small part of your soul because of the 9-5, or realised that the everlasting hustle was stealing time from your social life, then this book might be for you!
Combining Southeast Asian folklore and reality, comic book layout and prose, this tale brings you the contrasts between being who you feel you have to be and being who you can be and the results are unusual, interesting, and funny in places.
I think to get the best from this book, you will already need to know a little something about the folklore being referenced, or read the back portion first and be prepared to do a little research to get the full context. Also check if the line art is to your taste. I like books that combine illustrations and prose for adults (like Alison by Lizzy Stewart or How to Have Feminist Sex by Flo Perry) but I lean more towards the illustrations being more integrated with the text. This felt quite separate to me, like I was reading two independent interpretations of the same brief, rather than one flowing story.
There were parts that I could relate to and it made me chuckle a couple of times. I did like how the ‘monsters’ were squeezed into a corporate model and for that I’m glad I got to read this.
Combining Southeast Asian folklore and reality, comic book layout and prose, this tale brings you the contrasts between being who you feel you have to be and being who you can be and the results are unusual, interesting, and funny in places.
I think to get the best from this book, you will already need to know a little something about the folklore being referenced, or read the back portion first and be prepared to do a little research to get the full context. Also check if the line art is to your taste. I like books that combine illustrations and prose for adults (like Alison by Lizzy Stewart or How to Have Feminist Sex by Flo Perry) but I lean more towards the illustrations being more integrated with the text. This felt quite separate to me, like I was reading two independent interpretations of the same brief, rather than one flowing story.
There were parts that I could relate to and it made me chuckle a couple of times. I did like how the ‘monsters’ were squeezed into a corporate model and for that I’m glad I got to read this.
theabundantword's review
adventurous
funny
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? No
3.5
If you’ve ever had the urge to have a drink after work because of awful bosses, experienced the vague sensation of missing some small part of your soul because of the 9-5, or realised that the everlasting hustle was stealing time from your social life, then this book might be for you!
Combining Southeast Asian folklore and reality, comic book layout and prose, this tale brings you the contrasts between being who you feel you have to be and being who you can be and the results are unusual, interesting, and funny in places.
I think to get the best from this book, you will already need to know a little something about the folklore being referenced, or read the back portion first and be prepared to do a little research to get the full context. Also check if the line art is to your taste. I like books that combine illustrations and prose for adults (like Alison by Lizzy Stewart or How to Have Feminist Sex by Flo Perry) but I lean more towards the illustrations being more integrated with the text. This felt quite separate to me, like I was reading two independent interpretations of the same brief, rather than one flowing story.
There were parts that I could relate to and it made me chuckle a couple of times. I did like how the ‘monsters’ were squeezed into a corporate model and for that I’m glad I got to read this.
Combining Southeast Asian folklore and reality, comic book layout and prose, this tale brings you the contrasts between being who you feel you have to be and being who you can be and the results are unusual, interesting, and funny in places.
I think to get the best from this book, you will already need to know a little something about the folklore being referenced, or read the back portion first and be prepared to do a little research to get the full context. Also check if the line art is to your taste. I like books that combine illustrations and prose for adults (like Alison by Lizzy Stewart or How to Have Feminist Sex by Flo Perry) but I lean more towards the illustrations being more integrated with the text. This felt quite separate to me, like I was reading two independent interpretations of the same brief, rather than one flowing story.
There were parts that I could relate to and it made me chuckle a couple of times. I did like how the ‘monsters’ were squeezed into a corporate model and for that I’m glad I got to read this.
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review
adventurous
informative
reflective
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
4.75
This is a must-read for office workers. I feel like anyone who has worked for a large corporation or in an intense bureaucracy can relate to the pressure to tamper oneself down, hiding your true self just to exist.
The art was just beautiful throughout, with so many intricate details you’re going to want to spend time staring at the pages feeling immersed in the world that was created. The blending of Singaporean and other cultures’ folklore together into one novel made for such an interesting reading experience. I loved learning about all of these different creatures and the character list in the epilogue definitely helps to give that helpful background.
Thank you to the authors, artists, and to Tandem Collective for hosting this Readalong!
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The art was just beautiful throughout, with so many intricate details you’re going to want to spend time staring at the pages feeling immersed in the world that was created. The blending of Singaporean and other cultures’ folklore together into one novel made for such an interesting reading experience. I loved learning about all of these different creatures and the character list in the epilogue definitely helps to give that helpful background.
Thank you to the authors, artists, and to Tandem Collective for hosting this Readalong!
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Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, and Gore
flamingo_and_owl_books's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
laurenleyendolibros's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
clotalksbooks's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
AD-PR Product. Such an interesting format, don't think I have read or seen anything like it before. Loved the mix of prose and comic, as it really expanded on the story. The folklore woven into the narrative and set against the "modern" workplace was a great idea and emphasised how universal the work experience can be. I think I wanted more of it though, and perhaps clearer when the story was being expanded by the comic and when it was just reiterating the prose. Overall it was very amusing, and the art was wonderful.
baratheonbooks's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
trishtalksbooks's review
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0