Reviews

The Last Lesson of Mrs de Souza by Cyril Wong

jon288's review against another edition

4.0

Singapore. A little heavy handed, but a decent little story

samyisreading's review against another edition

2.75

I have conflicting feelings for this one. I didn't really like the (writing) tone of the character even though it did kinda fit. It just felt over explained with lots of pointless descriptions that dragged a story that could've been told in half the words. I did like the premise the plot: the main character admitting to a horrible mistake. The execution was a bit wonky. I sometimes felt like a lot of her life experience (her complicated family life & dead husband) only existed for the reader to sympathise with the protagonist and not for more character-depth. It leads to exhausting self-pity that just makes her character even more unbearably to "listen" to. There was some great criticism of organised religion, the education system and colonialism in there though! 

lidewij_ej's review against another edition

slow-paced

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

2.0

Zelden zo'n hekel gehad aan een hoofdpersonage

jjlim1996's review against another edition

3.0

sometimes, life does not require happy endings..

asphaltmonkey's review against another edition

2.0

Unfortunatly less stellar than I'd hoped. After the first two chapters or so, I could signpost where it was heading, and none of the major plot points shocked me at all. It was simply too bland, and for something so life changing, that's criminal. And perhaps shock wasn't the point, perhaps psyche was meant to be the focus, but that didn't draw me in either. It was too draggy, yet too underdrawn. Her self-pity was way too cloying. I'd enjoyed Cyril's short stories, and perhaps that was what this novel should have been.

rachyrexaphous's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective slow-paced

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

2.5

elliotseyes's review against another edition

This is a book you need a certain mindset to read. It was not an easy read but I couldn't put it down. I wasn't expecting an optimistic story but this was downright depressing. I really wanted to punch Mrs De Souza. The way the prose weaves in and out of narration and internal monologue is frustrating but ultimately a stylistic choice that works for her character. On the other hand, her actions and the message that they convey are a little contrived. Maybe it's her upbringing and background, but I wouldn't even think about doing what she did.

whipcreamsucks's review against another edition

5.0

Good God, Mrs de Souza.
This is absolutely beautiful, in a way I can't describe. I'm not sure if I want to hug Rose or give her a slap. The reality of it all, is so... hauntingly achingly real. this book shall live on in me.

extemporalli's review against another edition

5.0

I wasn't expecting this slim novel to bowl me away - short though it is, Cyril Wong's story about a woman who teaches her last class the day before retirement somehow achieves the unhurried and considering voice which strips away the layers of self-presentation - and -delusion - of the titular character. As one might expect from a Cyril Wong work, 'The Last Lesson of Mrs de Souza' is full of meditations on culture, society, voice, spirituality, and spiritual death. I found his mastery of voice incredible - in his presentation of a woman who is serene, certain, and compelling, yet fatally and cruelly flawed. A story to keep thinking about.

p0stc4rds's review against another edition

funny sad slow-paced

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

2.25

i had so much hope for cyril wong i dont know why i even assumed this would be readable its singlit

mrs de souza sucked dick move teacher i hope someone breaks ur leg the writing was only good to show what kind of a shitty person she is