Reviews

Elmet by Fiona Mozley

aduqu's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This book started so slowly, before barrelling to it's conclusion like an out of control train.

It's haunting, however it dragged a bit with no clear plot at the beginning.

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mrpapillon's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

3.5

alisonjfields's review against another edition

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4.0

7.4/10

Brutal, creepy, beautiful.

lattelibrarian's review against another edition

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5.0

Elmet was such a subtle, unexpected surprise.  It melds the topics of homesteading, gender, masculinity, femininity, capitalism, and community in ways that were so poignant and so well-woven.  Told through the perspective of Daniel, the youngest child, Elmet offers a unique insight to his world where there are two layers of understanding and interpretation: yours and Daniel's.  

It is lyrical, almost gothic, and so, so tender.  I feel like speaking more and in-depth about it would be to ruin its atmosphere, the context in which it lives.  But I will say that as the book grows longer, the plot shifts into something more insidious--the vices and virtues of a community come into question, especially as violence and murder become more of a threat.  

Overall, it's just absolutely wonderful and beautiful and soft.  

Review cross-listed here!

krobart's review against another edition

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4.0

See my review here:

https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2020/04/20/review-1497-elmet/

lubiemiecksiazki's review against another edition

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3.0

Takie bardziej 3,5 bo końcówka zrobiła wiele dobrego dla fabuły tej książki.

jenreadsalot's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced

5.0

lucyrider's review against another edition

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3.0

I picked this up before a train journey 4 years ago because I live near Sherburn in Elmet and "Elmet" is set in this area. The prose was quite beautiful at points and very descriptive and evocative - including the best description of a fried breakfast I think I've ever read. The plot was a bit hard to track, there was conflict and resolution, but I am not sure I was entirely satisfied by the ending. I would certainly read a follow up book if there was one to be written.

wm95's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

unisonlibrarian's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced

5.0