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shadesofwind's review against another edition
dark
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
3.0
astroneatly's review against another edition
dark
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The last Magdalena Tulli that I am going to review was In Red. More linear, following a chronological plot of a small town rife with counterfeit coin that burns in a conflagration when everything the town had been built on was upheaved and everybody died in the result. Overall, Tulli’s previous books that I’ve reviewed were insightful and frequently diverged onto off-the-wall on fly-on-the-wall perspectives that could be construed as a Third Party observing the behavior of its characters with outlandish, ethereal-like observations. This one had only meandering whimsies and focused mostly on its plot, with a large cast of charactery that mostly die.
For instance, the heir to the Strobbel family, who owned a porcelain factory. But when “a combat uniform awaited him and a thorough knowledge of porcelain manufacture was of no use.” We put our effort and our livelihood into things that are often never practicable, something of interest which sets us apart, gives us identity… then we come to realize none of it was ever in service to anybody or anyone but ourselves. It’s not shameful to have interests, it’s only shameful to not utilize them for a higher purpose. “The world needs cleanliness, nothing more.” In context of a porcelain ballet figure. What purpose does it serve?
“At the last hour, bang, you fall down, and it’s all over. It’s the easiest of all the things we have to do in this life.” No matter how stupid, dumb, or dull our interests in this life are, they keep us alive. They bring meaning to our lives. And if we can leave behind something meaningful when the last hours of tribulation arrive, we will have done our service to mankind. Don’t let anyone tell you what you’re doing serves no purpose, because it does… there’s nothing more meaningful than giving your labor and time to the world and give it a cleaner place. And there’s nothing that cannot be attained without dreams and ambitions of a higher cause. I was never ambitious nor competitive, because I saw the world as this big place where everybody was succeeding, and how could I match wits with them?
For instance, the heir to the Strobbel family, who owned a porcelain factory. But when “a combat uniform awaited him and a thorough knowledge of porcelain manufacture was of no use.” We put our effort and our livelihood into things that are often never practicable, something of interest which sets us apart, gives us identity… then we come to realize none of it was ever in service to anybody or anyone but ourselves. It’s not shameful to have interests, it’s only shameful to not utilize them for a higher purpose. “The world needs cleanliness, nothing more.” In context of a porcelain ballet figure. What purpose does it serve?
“At the last hour, bang, you fall down, and it’s all over. It’s the easiest of all the things we have to do in this life.” No matter how stupid, dumb, or dull our interests in this life are, they keep us alive. They bring meaning to our lives. And if we can leave behind something meaningful when the last hours of tribulation arrive, we will have done our service to mankind. Don’t let anyone tell you what you’re doing serves no purpose, because it does… there’s nothing more meaningful than giving your labor and time to the world and give it a cleaner place. And there’s nothing that cannot be attained without dreams and ambitions of a higher cause. I was never ambitious nor competitive, because I saw the world as this big place where everybody was succeeding, and how could I match wits with them?
nightwater32's review against another edition
5.0
An interesting exercise in reading. There is a story within the book, but the book is more like reading linked poetry. There is much that is confusing, but allowing the book to happen as you read it is really beautiful.
stacialithub's review against another edition
4.0
I've had this one on my shelf for a bit & tried reading it a couple different times, but just couldn't get into it. I decided to give it one last try & have now read it in one day. It's a strange story, unsettling, though sometimes beautiful too. I like this review/description of it & it describes it better than I can. Even with the unusual & bizarre happenings, I can't really say this story is magical realism, but in a sense, it may be. Partly it reminded me of the old, scary, dark fairy tales from Europe but with a modern edge where the evil beings are war (the two world wars bookend the novel), inertia, & cold-hearted business. There's a coldness & distance in the presentation style, but it is also deeply touching & makes you feel the futility of war (among other things).
I will say that, for some reason, I can see this story as a modern dance ballet with a very neutral color palette (white, gray, black) with symbolic slashes of red throughout. There's definitely a stage/scenery bent to the writing that makes me picture it in motion on stage. I think it could be a grand & dramatic ballet.
I know my review sounds disjointed, but I'm afraid that may the best I can do with this book.
I will say that, for some reason, I can see this story as a modern dance ballet with a very neutral color palette (white, gray, black) with symbolic slashes of red throughout. There's definitely a stage/scenery bent to the writing that makes me picture it in motion on stage. I think it could be a grand & dramatic ballet.
I know my review sounds disjointed, but I'm afraid that may the best I can do with this book.
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