Reviews

How to Set a Fire and Why by Jesse Ball

asa_g's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.25

hgullegrogan's review against another edition

3.0

I like the writing style, but the story is bland and disjointed. The protagonist doesn't feel like a real person, more like an archetype, so it was hard to remain immersed, particularly in the latter half of the book.

jesterclown's review against another edition

4.0

Great! I fell hook, line and sinker for this. If I’d read it as a teen, it would have become my entire personality.

It’s not perfect, though:

1) I didn’t feel compelled to read it which meant it took me longer than it should have

2) Whilst the concept is incredibly original (diary of a teen girl arsonist), the actual contours of the plot feel a bit familiar and derivative. Lucia’s arc is redolent of Enid Coleslaw’s in the Ghost World film adaptation.

Of course, I can’t complain too much as “what if Enid Coleslaw was an anarchist and arsonist” is a fantastic conceit for a book, in both theory and execution. 

suvata's review against another edition

4.0

This quirky little book was beautifully written yet very unsettling. And the end ... get your Kleenex out. Don't say you weren't warned. Lucia is one of the more memorable characters I've had the pleasure to encounter in a book. I will not easily forget this one.

ftyler's review

dark funny sad fast-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? Yes

3.75

remember: all the buildings that exist, all the grand structures of wealth and power, they remain standing because you permit them to remain. With this little lick of flame in your pocket, with this little gift of Prometheus, you can reduce everyone to a sort of grim equality. All those who ride on the high horse may be made to walk.

tl;dr Eat the rich, or rather, burn them

lilywg's review

dark emotional funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

floriderudder's review against another edition

2.0

"Cómo Provocar un Incendio y por qué" de Jesse Ball no es una lectura para todos. Si buscas una trama trepidante y llena de acción, este libro probablemente te decepcionará. Sin embargo, si te atraen las historias oscuras y con un toque de humor negro, la voz única de Lucia Stanton, la protagonista, te cautivará.

La novela se narra en forma de diario íntimo, lo que nos permite adentrarnos en la mente de una chica rebelde, huérfana, inteligente y curiosa. Lucia nos cuenta sus pensamientos y reflexiones sobre la vida, la muerte, el amor y la violencia. Su voz es informal, cruda y honesta, lo que hace que la lectura sea atractiva a pesar de la lentitud del ritmo.

La historia es audaz y explora temas como el suicidio, la violencia escolar y la enfermedad mental. Sin embargo, el autor lo hace con un toque de humor negro que a veces puede resultar chocante. Este contraste entre la oscuridad de los temas y la ligereza del tono puede desconcertar a algunos lectores.

En mi opinión, lo mejor de la novela es la voz de Lucia. Su inteligencia y sarcasmo te atrapan y te hacen seguir leyendo a pesar de la lentitud de la trama. Sin embargo, la reiteración de algunos temas y la falta de acción pueden hacer que la lectura se vuelva tediosa en algunos momentos.

En general, "Cómo Provocar un Incendio y por qué" es una novela recomendable para aquellos que buscan una lectura diferente, oscura y con un toque de humor negro. Si te gustan las historias narradas en primera persona y te atraen los personajes complejos e imperfectos, este libro te gustará.

vtlism's review

dark emotional funny reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

Terrific charming, funny, hyperintelligent teen voice.  Unflinching, somewhat tragic plotlines. I'd love a 2nd book of this character in her 30s or older tbh. The voice is addictive and the ending leaves room for imagination. 

jaclynsamara's review against another edition

challenging funny lighthearted sad fast-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? It's complicated

3.75

needed more fires tbh

susanm_82's review against another edition

dark emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

3.75