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sailorscoutgabs's review
2.0
*2 stars*
I know now that I will probably never pick up something by Calvino again due to my dislike of his writing style and overall plots, but I do appreciate well executed magical realism themes (his execution was, to some extents, lacking, but overall not as terrible as I thought it would be). I also did like the historical context, as in the setting, with the overall of fantasy, so, not too shabby Calvino.
Regardless, I did not like either of these novellas because the characterizations felt flat and the plots were somewhat all over the place. I also really could not get into Calvino's writing style, which is why it probably put me off so much to read these.
If you enjoy, magical realism and subtle undertones of irony against certain themes (such as female status (which, in my opinion, sounded misogynistic the way he implied it), religious affliations, and so forth) and have a strong appreciation for Italian literature, then, by all means, read these novellas.
I know now that I will probably never pick up something by Calvino again due to my dislike of his writing style and overall plots, but I do appreciate well executed magical realism themes (his execution was, to some extents, lacking, but overall not as terrible as I thought it would be). I also did like the historical context, as in the setting, with the overall of fantasy, so, not too shabby Calvino.
Regardless, I did not like either of these novellas because the characterizations felt flat and the plots were somewhat all over the place. I also really could not get into Calvino's writing style, which is why it probably put me off so much to read these.
If you enjoy, magical realism and subtle undertones of irony against certain themes (such as female status (which, in my opinion, sounded misogynistic the way he implied it), religious affliations, and so forth) and have a strong appreciation for Italian literature, then, by all means, read these novellas.
intropersona's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
derekboemler's review
5.0
Calvino is a genius of the fairy tale and folk literature. His genius is bolstered by his extraordinary talent at literary fiction. What a writer.
marcin's review
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jossarian4's review
4.0
The Nonexistent Knight was hilarious and wonderful, the Cloven Viscount not so much - while both of these novellas have outstanding premises, Knight just delivers on more wacky promises than the Cloven Viscount.
betamagnificus's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
buddhafish's review
4.0
lilkstew's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
(Only read The Nonexistent Knight)
Some lines were unbelievably funny, but I didn’t think this was an exceptional piece of satire.
Some lines were unbelievably funny, but I didn’t think this was an exceptional piece of satire.