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oxnard_montalvo's review against another edition
An immersive book that flags in the middle. I didn't feel the betrayal by Rune rang completely true.
Also it was bloated with philosophical lectures which frankly I found myself skipping. I like my stories with meat and thought behind them and I can see how they were meant to flesh out the world of the book, but I didn't think they were actually necessary. Mostly they detracted.
I thought Harriet was a fully thought out character. Three dimensional and real. But I didn't always believe the scenarios and confessions of the people around her.
Also it was bloated with philosophical lectures which frankly I found myself skipping. I like my stories with meat and thought behind them and I can see how they were meant to flesh out the world of the book, but I didn't think they were actually necessary. Mostly they detracted.
I thought Harriet was a fully thought out character. Three dimensional and real. But I didn't always believe the scenarios and confessions of the people around her.
dizzymisslizzy's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Mental illness, Cancer, Death, and Infidelity
kassabitte's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is a masterfully told story that is somehow both gripping at times and also deeply philosophical. Once you get through the dense introduction, this book is a meditation on so many aspects of life, art, and womanhood, to name just a handful of the many themes covers. I loved Harry despite her many flaws.
Reading this makes me want to go back and read the backlog of Hustvedt's work, I cannot imagine what other world's she might have created, and can't wait to find out.
Reading this makes me want to go back and read the backlog of Hustvedt's work, I cannot imagine what other world's she might have created, and can't wait to find out.
bittersweet_symphony's review
3.0
While published before A Woman Looking at Men Looking at Women, this book is in many ways the fictional companion to it.
We encounter all the same fascinating themes: phenomenology, high brow art in New York City, existentialism, William James, Hegel, mind-body problem, psychoanalysis, psychiatry, neuroscience, feminism, masculine vs. feminine principles, art vs. science, Margaret Cavendish, Pablo Picasso, Hume, and some Nordicism.
Hustvedt puts together a cadre of intellectuals, artists, and lofty-minded (read: pretentious and/or cynical) New Yorkers who discuss their personal histories pertaining to Harriet Burden, a female artist who exhibits some of her art under three male artists, presuming it will be more acclaimed than under her own name. Obviously she's trying to make a political point here; men receive more accolades than women.
The Blazing World is erudite and demands a lot from its readers. One ought to be familiar with many of the prominent, Western philosophical schools and art movements of the past few centuries. While not absolutely necessary, it makes for a more engaging read. Those less initiated are likely to become bored or frustrated by her obscure references.
The plethora of characters made it hard to attach to any particular person. And although I prefer character examination, the lack of plot had me routinely wondering, "Why am I still reading this?"
I wish more people were familiar with Hustvedt's work, especially her non-fiction. My even greater wish—or tender hope—is that her other fiction is more compelling. I love how much she charms the intellect but I'd love for her to stir the heart a bit more.
We encounter all the same fascinating themes: phenomenology, high brow art in New York City, existentialism, William James, Hegel, mind-body problem, psychoanalysis, psychiatry, neuroscience, feminism, masculine vs. feminine principles, art vs. science, Margaret Cavendish, Pablo Picasso, Hume, and some Nordicism.
Hustvedt puts together a cadre of intellectuals, artists, and lofty-minded (read: pretentious and/or cynical) New Yorkers who discuss their personal histories pertaining to Harriet Burden, a female artist who exhibits some of her art under three male artists, presuming it will be more acclaimed than under her own name. Obviously she's trying to make a political point here; men receive more accolades than women.
The Blazing World is erudite and demands a lot from its readers. One ought to be familiar with many of the prominent, Western philosophical schools and art movements of the past few centuries. While not absolutely necessary, it makes for a more engaging read. Those less initiated are likely to become bored or frustrated by her obscure references.
The plethora of characters made it hard to attach to any particular person. And although I prefer character examination, the lack of plot had me routinely wondering, "Why am I still reading this?"
I wish more people were familiar with Hustvedt's work, especially her non-fiction. My even greater wish—or tender hope—is that her other fiction is more compelling. I love how much she charms the intellect but I'd love for her to stir the heart a bit more.
wrzenie's review
5.0
Jeśli będziemy się czemuś bacznie przyglądać, oglądany obiekt będzie się stawał coraz bardziej obcy, a my będziemy dostrzegać coraz więcej.
„ (...) poczułem, że ogarnia mnie to oniryczne, halucynacyjne wrażenie w rodzaju <<życie jest strasznie dziwne>>”
🖤
„ (...) poczułem, że ogarnia mnie to oniryczne, halucynacyjne wrażenie w rodzaju <<życie jest strasznie dziwne>>”
🖤
bibliobrandie's review
I am more than halfway through this book and I am throwing in the towel. The writing is good but the story is just not captivating enough to keep me hanging on. There are also a lot of characters and I am having trouble keeping up with all of them. Too bad.
puckkl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Harry you are the image of their fear. Medea, mad with vengeance. That little monster has climbed out of the box, hasn't it? It isn't nearly grown yet, not nearly grown"
timna_wyckoff's review
4.0
plot: compelling
writing: masterful - multiple narrators/transcripts/reviews/etc...really worked
conceit as academic book: interesting enough, but all the footnotes? eh.
philosophy/psychology: became tedious
writing: masterful - multiple narrators/transcripts/reviews/etc...really worked
conceit as academic book: interesting enough, but all the footnotes? eh.
philosophy/psychology: became tedious