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vof5017's review against another edition
3.0
I received a lovely, finished hardcover of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway by the publisher. I've always been a fan of story collections, both fiction and non-fiction, so this book intrigued me. As the synopsis suggests, all of the stories are rooted in the idea of love and its many forms and meanings. I liked several of the stories, but was off put by many of them because they often focused heavily on lust and pessimism. While I sometimes enjoy a bit of cynical reading, this was a bit too heavy on the cynicism for me.
Overall, I would rate this a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Overall, I would rate this a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
sadiereadsagain's review against another edition
3.0
Kennedy is one of those writers that I mean to read more of. But I do have a mixed experience with her. I've loved some of her previous work (short stories and [b:Everything You Need|468595|Everything You Need|A.L. Kennedy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320467317l/468595._SY75_.jpg|456935]), but then wasn't crazy about [b:Serious Sweet|25658493|Serious Sweet|A.L. Kennedy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1469635828l/25658493._SY75_.jpg|45480472]. This short story collection kind of falls into that category.
There is a lot that I enjoyed in this collection - her signature wit is here and also her ability to completely break your heart. In particular the story of the boy and his dog, and the man clearing out his flat. These stories cut so precisely at the tangled mess of human emotions. But often I felt lost in the prose, not fully understanding what was happening or what was being hinted at. That may very well be a flaw in me as a reader, or maybe it is the fragmentary, stream-of-consciousness style of some of the stories, but whatever the cause it did stop this collection from fully grabbing me.
Regardless, her status as a writer that I need to read more from hasn't changed. I just need to keep in mind that I never know what I'm going to get.
There is a lot that I enjoyed in this collection - her signature wit is here and also her ability to completely break your heart. In particular the story of the boy and his dog, and the man clearing out his flat. These stories cut so precisely at the tangled mess of human emotions. But often I felt lost in the prose, not fully understanding what was happening or what was being hinted at. That may very well be a flaw in me as a reader, or maybe it is the fragmentary, stream-of-consciousness style of some of the stories, but whatever the cause it did stop this collection from fully grabbing me.
Regardless, her status as a writer that I need to read more from hasn't changed. I just need to keep in mind that I never know what I'm going to get.
lifeinpoetry's review against another edition
1.0
DNF after the story of the middle-aged man having an affair with a younger woman. Reading his thoughts as he treated her terribly and couldn't even talk himself into seeing her as a three-dimensional person was offputting. It was bad enough that one of the previous stories was about another middle-aged man sleeping with one of his housekeepers (or secretary?). Not in the mood to read about older men sexually taking advantage of vulnerable people, especially when they're bog-standard stories.
sarahc3319's review
3.0
Some glorious passages-- she is a master of expressing inner thoughts-- and two stories just about killed me, one with laughter and the other with a disturbing surprise twist. A hard one to recommend, but short story fans will find worthwhile nuggets, with patience.
sdepina10's review
2.0
I found out about this book on a list of "most anticipated books of 2014" and can only say that it was a big disappointment. While there is evidence of authorly craft, this books struck me as blah with no hard edges to grab onto, no grit to chew on, no voice to remember. Having just put this book down, I've already forgotten it.
jennicakes's review
2.0
Love the first two stories, then got tired (no matter what time of day I was reading) and just wanted it to be over.
To be fair, had I spread this book out over a period of time, I'm sure I would have had a more positive reaction to these stories, which are so full of beautiful prose. Too many of them followed the model of:
1. I'm not going to tell you what this story is about
2. But you will require clues, so I am going to catalog a bunch of dour details and negative emotions
3. I'm using second person narration, ARE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE YET?
4. BIG REVEAL!!!!
So maybe I should read one of her novels, because she is clearly a major talent, but I am not keen on her use of this form.
To be fair, had I spread this book out over a period of time, I'm sure I would have had a more positive reaction to these stories, which are so full of beautiful prose. Too many of them followed the model of:
1. I'm not going to tell you what this story is about
2. But you will require clues, so I am going to catalog a bunch of dour details and negative emotions
3. I'm using second person narration, ARE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE YET?
4. BIG REVEAL!!!!
So maybe I should read one of her novels, because she is clearly a major talent, but I am not keen on her use of this form.
helenmcclory's review
Stories of poignant silences, half-done gestures, failures small and irreversible.
Reading these stories is like following a line of chains leading into the sea. You aren't sure if you want to be slowly submerged. But you pick them up anyway and let yourself be led.
Reading these stories is like following a line of chains leading into the sea. You aren't sure if you want to be slowly submerged. But you pick them up anyway and let yourself be led.
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