Reviews

The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler

helsbelles's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

4.25

skochara's review

emotional 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? It's complicated

1.0

outcolder's review against another edition

4.0

I laughed out loud a lot in the beginning but towards the end the preachy, self-satisfied tone overwhelmed the strident criticism of preachy, self-satisfied Victorians. The morals of the stories have held up well in the hundred years since it was first published, but the weird abuses of Darwin and the lack of any reflection on the unfairness of British Classism left me feeling like some of the resolution is dangling open. Like, his alcoholic “wife.” A beautiful servant girl who has brought a dozen illegitimate children in to the world and served a number of prison terms deserves more sympathy then either Earnest or Mr. Overton can muster.

When I was about half way through, I was thinking of so many people I would recommend this to, but now that I am finished, I just want to leave it in the take-one, leave-one book box on Margaretenplatz and get on with my life.

jmm11's review

reflective slow-paced

3.0

evgeorge's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

sarahrussell's review

dark hopeful informative reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

wrentheblurry's review

I hereby vow to myself to never again pick up random titles in the Classics section of a used bookstore simply because I have a credit at the store that is burning a hole in my pocket, and because I live 30 minutes away and do not wish to return any time soon.

That's how I picked this up, some years ago, and after only a few pages have decreed it not something I wish to read. If that makes me less of an intellectual, I embrace my shallowness.

If this was a movie, and I watched it in my home theater room, with lots of popcorn and possibly an adult beverage, I might enjoy it. Otherwise, it just wasn't for me.

jetia13's review

4.0

probably my favorite from the list so far. i love the narrator.

24marsha's review against another edition

4.0

Something about the ups and downs of Ernest’s life and pursuits really pulled me in. It’s like rooting for someone who can let seem to help but be vulnerable and naïve. He isn’t all that likeable, but somehow Butler got me invested in his happiness.

ajreader's review

3.0

Read my full thoughts over at Read.Write.Repeat.

I would rate the book as good, but not great. It was long-winded and a bit preachy at times. I suppose most satires fall to that particular temptation at one point or another. There have been a few books on the Modern Library list that I have certainly enjoyed better at this point, but plenty that I have not enjoyed as well.