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laurene99's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
christibubs's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
madildomaws's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
eljarvo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
janeschmidtreads's review against another edition
2.0
I can't tell if I hated this book or liked it. I think probably the most accurate summary would be that I can admire the courage it probably took to write it. Given that it's partly based on events in the author's life, one can assume that it's somewhat autobiographical. Which is remarkable, because the main character in this book is MESSED UP. Like, crazy messed up.
Certainly the sex in it will be one of the biggest standouts - I'd be a liar if I didn't admit to being a wee bit scandalized by some of what I read - but what really struck me was the unrelenting brutal honesty in the raw detail about things that are NOT discussed in any company whatsoever - decent or otherwise. More clinical than erotic, it can be pretty gross at times, and there is a lot of it. I cannot fathom being so incredibly preoccupied with sex as the main characters are.
Back to my point about courage from the author; not only is Elizabeth messed up, but she is inherently unlikeable. What you can admire, though, is that she knows it and is completely unapologetic about it. For example, I kept looking for some evidence of either of them actually going to work for a living. Toward the end, she finally explains that they are basically independently wealthy artists with too much time on their hands to endlessly analyze her behaviour. It's hard to hate on a character when she's admitting to hating herself. Worst was that I saw some of my own tendencies (of the non-sexual variety, thank you very much) in her, and it made me squirm. Uncomfortable truths in here.
Bottom line - this is definitely not for everyone, and if you want to read it, proceed with caution. Oh, also, it's not actually in German. Good Reads just didn't pick up the English translation when I searched for it. It's called Wrecked in English edition.
Certainly the sex in it will be one of the biggest standouts - I'd be a liar if I didn't admit to being a wee bit scandalized by some of what I read - but what really struck me was the unrelenting brutal honesty in the raw detail about things that are NOT discussed in any company whatsoever - decent or otherwise. More clinical than erotic, it can be pretty gross at times, and there is a lot of it. I cannot fathom being so incredibly preoccupied with sex as the main characters are.
Back to my point about courage from the author; not only is Elizabeth messed up, but she is inherently unlikeable. What you can admire, though, is that she knows it and is completely unapologetic about it. For example, I kept looking for some evidence of either of them actually going to work for a living. Toward the end, she finally explains that they are basically independently wealthy artists with too much time on their hands to endlessly analyze her behaviour. It's hard to hate on a character when she's admitting to hating herself. Worst was that I saw some of my own tendencies (of the non-sexual variety, thank you very much) in her, and it made me squirm. Uncomfortable truths in here.
Bottom line - this is definitely not for everyone, and if you want to read it, proceed with caution. Oh, also, it's not actually in German. Good Reads just didn't pick up the English translation when I searched for it. It's called Wrecked in English edition.
alperezq's review against another edition
2.0
One of the most detestable characters I've encountered in a while, and it's definitely not a pleasent read. Yet, it's strangely compelling
stephaniekhani's review against another edition
5.0
Full review posted on my blog: http://stephinlondon.com/2013/03/28/advance-read-wrecked-by-charlotte-roche/
If I had to rate "Wrecked" I'd have to give it 4.5 stars out of 5. Make no mistake, I didn't enjoy the novel in the conventional sense. It was difficult to put down because Elizabeth was interesting and, frankly like a grisly automobile accident. You can't help but stare and thank the stars that it's not you involved in that mess. There's something appealing about the madness and misfortunes of others that makes you thankful for your own screwed up life and "Wrecked" definitely plays up to that.
If I had to rate "Wrecked" I'd have to give it 4.5 stars out of 5. Make no mistake, I didn't enjoy the novel in the conventional sense. It was difficult to put down because Elizabeth was interesting and, frankly like a grisly automobile accident. You can't help but stare and thank the stars that it's not you involved in that mess. There's something appealing about the madness and misfortunes of others that makes you thankful for your own screwed up life and "Wrecked" definitely plays up to that.
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