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the_sunken_library's review
2.0
2 stars for his mastery of language.
I get it - this was an exploration of how making subtle differences to a described scene makes a new story every time. Interesting. Clever.
However, having this played out over 84 pages in Briar Rose became boring, tedious and repetitive. The Layout made no sense. It felt like there should be plot progression but frustratingly there was none at all. If each telling had been presented as individual stories - vignettes, this would have made it more palatable.
Spanking the Maid used this technique slightly better, adding more narrative to each retelling exposed the story in a slow, seductive fashion. However, no paragraph breaks over multiple pages makes for a disjointed, exhausting read.
I won't be bothering with Coover again.
I get it - this was an exploration of how making subtle differences to a described scene makes a new story every time. Interesting. Clever.
However, having this played out over 84 pages in Briar Rose became boring, tedious and repetitive. The Layout made no sense. It felt like there should be plot progression but frustratingly there was none at all. If each telling had been presented as individual stories - vignettes, this would have made it more palatable.
Spanking the Maid used this technique slightly better, adding more narrative to each retelling exposed the story in a slow, seductive fashion. However, no paragraph breaks over multiple pages makes for a disjointed, exhausting read.
I won't be bothering with Coover again.
bookllyfr's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
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