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jojothefool's review against another edition
I’m too high for this tbh but also I reread the summary description and idk why I put this on my list cuz it doesn’t really sound like something I would normally pick up rip maybe one day bestie
christianlittle's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ambermagee's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
jacintaeve's review against another edition
4.0
A thought-provoking book that left me with more questions than answers, but that may be the point. It makes you question everything about what Australia and being Australian is and how can we move forward from the past of this country. The references to music pieces throughout the book were interesting and added an extra layer to me as a musician.
The book moves slowly or, at least, not much happens but it is very descriptive and forces you to sit in the surroundings and stories that are being told. Probably not a book I would read again but definitely one I will think upon now and in the future.
The book moves slowly or, at least, not much happens but it is very descriptive and forces you to sit in the surroundings and stories that are being told. Probably not a book I would read again but definitely one I will think upon now and in the future.
girlpdf's review against another edition
3.75
this novel felt a little unbalanced; i think the first act took up a little more breathing space than warranted. i wonder if i would have preferred a more non-linear approach? that being said, perhaps that would have obscured the action of the book too much. there's plenty to keep track of already, even in its (relatively) linear state.
this is a dense and really fulfilling read. wright's voice, so strong and rich and immediately identifiable— thinking of those 'Well!'s and her prominent use of words like 'stuff' and 'things' — twists masterfully between conversational and elevated. the characters are sharply drawn and unique and she does names just so fantastically! the third act of this book was where i really, really started enjoying myself. i loved the shift into a sprawling landscape and the way wright really expertly renders different ideas of 'ceremony' and how these play into narratives of dominance.
insert here all the stuff everyone says about wright too: incisive and witty and surprising etc. it's true! nuanced and damning and such an interesting choice of focal point, the observant and distant oblivia. and can't review this book without mentioning that killer first line. truly an all-timer.
this is a dense and really fulfilling read. wright's voice, so strong and rich and immediately identifiable— thinking of those 'Well!'s and her prominent use of words like 'stuff' and 'things' — twists masterfully between conversational and elevated. the characters are sharply drawn and unique and she does names just so fantastically! the third act of this book was where i really, really started enjoying myself. i loved the shift into a sprawling landscape and the way wright really expertly renders different ideas of 'ceremony' and how these play into narratives of dominance.
insert here all the stuff everyone says about wright too: incisive and witty and surprising etc. it's true! nuanced and damning and such an interesting choice of focal point, the observant and distant oblivia. and can't review this book without mentioning that killer first line. truly an all-timer.
mel_whitford's review against another edition
challenging
slow-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? Yes
2.5
I listened to this book and personally found it difficult to follow. I found the insights into Australian Aboriginal history and culture fascinating and interesting to see the parallels to indigenous Americans.
nosila's review against another edition
Ah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alexis Wright's writing feels so familiar and yet this is my first time with her words. What a gift this book is. It's incredibly dreamlike, by which I mean I could hold each scene in my hands, but as soon as we moved on it slipped through my fingers. I re-read many passages, maybe all of them, so probably really read the whole thing twice. I at first did find it hard to grasp, before realising I don't think you're supposed to grasp it at all and instead just be borne. Beautiful language! Will be thinking about this for a long time.
lifeinsilver's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5