Reviews

I enjoyed how this collection twisted back on themselves, revealing different perspectives and adding depth to the other stories. What I was left wanting more of was context, descriptive elements - after all this collection was about rural France, though I wouldn't have guessed. Maybe that was the point? Anyway, an interesting translated read.

pureferret's review against another edition

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Reading too many at once, I'll likely come back to it

halibut's review against another edition

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4.0

Interlinked short stories, sharing a theme of the difficulty of knowing other people. I'm not a huge fan of short stories generally, but I think due to the continuity in narrative and theme through the collection I enjoyed this collection. The story of the mistaken guest/doppleganger at the wedding I found really compelling, capturing a real sense of uncanniness.

marandi's review against another edition

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reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

wikxoxo's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
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

5.0

emdreading's review against another edition

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4.0

I forgot how good the International Booker longlist was in 2020. Fav stories: blind spots, the automatic tour guide, glitter.

cattytrona's review against another edition

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3.0

Some nice stories in here, and it's engaging (if also a little distracting from the actual pieces themselves) to try and fit them together. Yet nothing really grabbed me - there's a sense of monotony of voice (which might be a result of the translation) which makes the collection (fall) flat.

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