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hfjarmer's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
3.0
I have a fondness for books from this time period as they often exude whimsical and playful tones, providing a refreshing change of pace from my usual modern reads. While I hesitate to draw direct comparisons, I couldn't help but notice vague similarities in writing style and storytelling between this book and Edith Wharton's "The Age of Innocence," despite their very different plots.
"The Comforters" was presented to me as a story where a woman gradually realizes she is a character in a novel. Intrigued by this premise, I must admit I was somewhat underwhelmed as I had hoped for a more substantial execution.
Instead, the narrative unfolds as a mystery involving Laurence who suspects his grandmother's involvement in a gang, leading us through a series of intertwined storylines until the mystery is unraveled. The aspect of the woman realizing she's in a novel plays a minor role, leaving me feeling that the book could have maintained its essence even without this angle, resembling a chaotic rendition of the "it was all a dream" trope.
There is some pretty blatant homophobia in this novel as well, I suppose more a product of the time period in which it was written. The portrayal of homosexual characters borders on caricature, almost comically exaggerated and I feel like those of you that know my heart can guess what I mean by that.
Despite its convoluted narrative, "The Comforters" remains an entertaining and silly read. I am intrigued to explore more of Muriel Spark's works, as her unique voice shines through despite the disjointed storytelling.
"The Comforters" was presented to me as a story where a woman gradually realizes she is a character in a novel. Intrigued by this premise, I must admit I was somewhat underwhelmed as I had hoped for a more substantial execution.
Instead, the narrative unfolds as a mystery involving Laurence who suspects his grandmother's involvement in a gang, leading us through a series of intertwined storylines until the mystery is unraveled. The aspect of the woman realizing she's in a novel plays a minor role, leaving me feeling that the book could have maintained its essence even without this angle, resembling a chaotic rendition of the "it was all a dream" trope.
There is some pretty blatant homophobia in this novel as well, I suppose more a product of the time period in which it was written. The portrayal of homosexual characters borders on caricature, almost comically exaggerated and I feel like those of you that know my heart can guess what I mean by that.
Despite its convoluted narrative, "The Comforters" remains an entertaining and silly read. I am intrigued to explore more of Muriel Spark's works, as her unique voice shines through despite the disjointed storytelling.
bethanyceinwen's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
archerisonline's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
read this for my uni course and was pleasantly surprised!! i think it starts really strong and loses some momentum, but the ending is great. witty and one of a kind. a little dry! a little boring at times! but overall enjoyable.
nayana20's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-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
3.5
miles_151's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
kinda crazy. idrk what to say about this book cos I still am not entirely sure what's going on but it was a little bit mind boggling and I love it for that
lostintime_73's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest
zoekyriacou's review against another edition
4.0
This is original, thought provoking and has a dry wit which I found very amusing. I think it is an interesting and explicit exploration of themes of madness, religion, authorship and free-will. The novel is most engaging to me when Caroline is at the forefront. However, I was inattentive to the intricacies of the mystery plot. Expect much repetition and intentional mundanity and hackneyed tropes- as meta fiction it is a scathing satire on conventional realism. I am enjoying analysing this book for university, but don’t know how much I would enjoy it as a reading for pleasure book?
hrlukz's review against another edition
I think I shall review this like an old man writing a film review for the guardian and say it was RIOTOUSLY GOOD FUN
coupes's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75