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gymjam_reads's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Centred around Philip - a somewhat typical man who is caught up in a standard and comfortable life of working, going out with friends and being a Dad & husband. Each chapter is a little snippet into his life whereby he's caught up in the chaos whilst feeling constantly disconnected. As the chapters go on, he seems to open his eyes more to little moments. There's a revelation that tiny pockets of simple pleasures are what life is all about. A subtly empowering read that felt realistic, relatable and true.
daisyq's review
3.0
I really enjoyed how this novel evoked Wellington - the weather, the hills, the politics. In places it was also quite funny, although occasionally in a way that feels like an insider joke.
The first three chapters were especially good, and I enjoyed them immensely. I can't tell you how many times I've thought this:
However, the rest was a more mixed bag for me. I have low tolerance for other people's dreams, even in fiction, and dreams (and hallucinations) do feature prominently in the rest of this short novel.
The first three chapters were especially good, and I enjoyed them immensely. I can't tell you how many times I've thought this:
...not for the first time he wished a serious but non-fatal illness upon himself, something that put him in bed for a couple of weeks but still left him able to read.
However, the rest was a more mixed bag for me. I have low tolerance for other people's dreams, even in fiction, and dreams (and hallucinations) do feature prominently in the rest of this short novel.
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