Scan barcode
michaelashsmith's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hrohaley's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
charleyyyyy's review
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
This book was inspired by Vivien's own relationships, and I think it was told in such an imaginative way. It was beautifully whimsical and descriptive. Full of symbolism.
It's definitely not a book for everyone, though. It's quite abstract, with no sense of place or time, you have to suspend your disbelief all throughout. There also isn't a plot, it's kinda like a stream of consciousness. An exploration of feeling through abstract metaphors. I think it's best read as poetry, not a novel.
But I realy enjoyed it. I thought it was beautifully written and very thought- provoking.
ofichorandink's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kasper_au's review against another edition
2.0
Queer Women Book Club read
Just finished. Firstly, this was undeniably well-written and for those into prose poetry, you will eat this one up. It wasn't as enjoyable for me. I didn't connect with the story and at times it was a little confusing. I didn't need the additional 1904 edition either, which felt like reading, almost, the same story. Perhaps big fans of Vivien would appreciate this more. 2-3 stars.
Just finished. Firstly, this was undeniably well-written and for those into prose poetry, you will eat this one up. It wasn't as enjoyable for me. I didn't connect with the story and at times it was a little confusing. I didn't need the additional 1904 edition either, which felt like reading, almost, the same story. Perhaps big fans of Vivien would appreciate this more. 2-3 stars.
arentweallghosts's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
millymygirl's review against another edition
4.0
I think this book is best approached as an extended work of poetry. Vivien is a poet and it shows. This book is harrowing and relentless in it's portrayal of a deeply troubled love affair, and of Barney, who is such a fascinating woman in her own right. It is unapologetically lesbian, and simultaneously treats lesbianism as nothing to take note of, takes it for granted, which is refreshing and dare I say ballsy. Also, I had a good amount of background knowledge coming into this book, and it felt sort of like being in on a joke, which is always fun.