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runningdobe's review against another edition
2.0
If I were to base my rating on the quality of the prose, I'd give the book a 5. However, I'm basing it on my enjoyment--giving it a 3. Obviously, it takes a certain mindset to appreciate a collection of short stories. I could not gather that mindset. I had trouble relating to the characters; I rarely felt emotionally connected to any of the stories. I don't think it's because this is a collection of short stories--I enjoyed Lahiri's Interpreter of Maladies. Certainly, there were stories I very much enjoyed. However, in total, I struggled getting through the entire book and never felt like I couldn't put it down.
sleightoffeet's review against another edition
2.0
I've never been a really big fan of short stories to begin with, and these really weren't my thing. Most of the stories were almost like snapshots in these people's lives, which is a really cool idea, but the problem was that they were snapshots of some of the not-so-interesting parts.
I read this for my book club, and a third really liked it.
I read this for my book club, and a third really liked it.
mary412's review against another edition
4.0
Why did I not know that Edith Pearlman was a fabulous writer? I'm sorry to have missed the book group discussion. At the end of the year Binocular Vision tied for best pick of 2013. The other book was Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk.
spiderfelt's review against another edition
5.0
Edith Pearlman's finely crafted stories are rich in detail, filled with characters that saunter off the page. It's been a while since I've felt inspired to share what I'm reading. In an industry filled with male voices and a masculine gaze, I treasure the rare, strong woman who writes about life with a mature perspective.
kiramke's review against another edition
3.0
First, the writing is quite good and I did enjoy the book.
That being said, this is a very long, dense collection of short stories, many of which are contemplative and intense. I read short stories like poetry, stopping at least for a moment after each one to process. I feel like I've been reading this book for years, and that near-weariness is not a good feeling, especially as an introduction to a new writer. I would have preferred a more winnowed selection.
That being said, this is a very long, dense collection of short stories, many of which are contemplative and intense. I read short stories like poetry, stopping at least for a moment after each one to process. I feel like I've been reading this book for years, and that near-weariness is not a good feeling, especially as an introduction to a new writer. I would have preferred a more winnowed selection.
emilybh's review against another edition
4.0
I've enjoyed dipping in and out of this collection over roughly a year and a half. Pearlman is a gentle and kind writer who imagines characters at all stages of life. The story that gives this collection its title was my favourite, but all of them - though linked by different threads - are individually intriguing.
dewey_the_composer's review against another edition
5.0
Extremely beautiful writing with very specific situations. I sometimes felt I couldn't fully relate to a story, but they were so well told that, when I thought a story was just relaxing an eventless life (before the action happened) I was still enthralled.
rdoose's review against another edition
4.0
This collection is split into two section: "selected stories" and "new stories." I really loved the first section; the stories were quiet, but powerful and satisfying. I didn't connect as much with the second section, but I enjoyed the themes of independence/individuality/autonomy that ran through all of her stories. If you're going to read any one story by Pearlman, I would recommend "Tess."
Favorites: "Settlers," "Allog," "Tess," "Jan Term"
Favorites: "Settlers," "Allog," "Tess," "Jan Term"