Reviews

A Perfect Likeness: Two Novellas by Richard Wagamese

sydneyfwhite's review

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4.0

Wagamese had the most incredible gift of putting together nature, and magic within his stories. While these weren't my favourite from him, both of these short stories impressed me with their depth. Especially Him Standing.

The first novella: Him Standing is about a talented young woodcarver named Lucas Smoke. When he is approached with a difficult, and high-paying job, he comes to find out that it definitely has strings attached.

The second novella: The Next Sure Thing, introduces us to Cree Thunderboy, who is excellent at two things: playing the Blues on his guitar, and picking winning horses at the races. When at the races, he meets a man who promises him his chance at making it big in the Blues world. All he has to do is keep picking those winners.

These were both great stories that I read as part of Indigathon. Always excited to read more Richard Wagamese!

catamenia's review

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3.0

2.5 stars for "Him Standing"-- the villain felt too cliche, the dialogue was awkward, feels too YA for me.
4 stars for "The Next Sure Thing"-- I saw both twists coming a mile away but it was still an enjoyable read. I felt I understood these characters more.
I do prefer Wagamese's longer works of fiction, he established setting so well.

jvillar3's review

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4.0

3.5 rounded up

samwest113's review

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

massmarketfiend's review against another edition

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fast-paced

3.5

hosson6's review

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4.0

3.5 stars rounded up**

I absolutely loved the first novella Him Standing! I enjoyed the characters, the making of the mask, the dream world and shaman story. Unique way of writing Lucas' perspective and enjoyed every part of it; that story deserves a 5 stars!!

However, the second novella The Next Sure Thing, was not for me. I liked the parts about the race track, but I didn't like the main character or the way his voice was written. I did not like the overall storyline of this one, although I did enjoy the plot twist at the end. This one would only get 2.5-3 stars from me.

So cumulative of 3.5 stars between the two. I still recommend reading this, its a light and quick read.

jpmccullagh's review

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hopeful medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

thebookishaustin's review

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challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

biblizo's review

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dark funny mysterious reflective fast-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? No

4.0

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