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amy_rr's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-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
2.5
I was frustrated by this book. I has hyped it up in my own mind because I felt a strong affinity with the story/ character as described in the synopsis.
While the book didn't disappoint in this aspect, I really struggled to get through it. The protagonist was infuriating, which I understand to be the point, but there was no real plot either, with the only real event happening at the very end of the book. With no likeable characters AND no discernable plot I felt little motivation to get through the book. I found myself skimming the last 100 or so pages, something very rarely do. If this was intentional, fair enough, but I want some reason to get me through it, other than sheer grit.
All of the above said I did appreciate the subject matter and the inclusion of the many artworks referenced. It was also interesting to have the photographs included.
While the book didn't disappoint in this aspect, I really struggled to get through it. The protagonist was infuriating, which I understand to be the point, but there was no real plot either, with the only real event happening at the very end of the book. With no likeable characters AND no discernable plot I felt little motivation to get through the book. I found myself skimming the last 100 or so pages, something very rarely do. If this was intentional, fair enough, but I want some reason to get me through it, other than sheer grit.
All of the above said I did appreciate the subject matter and the inclusion of the many artworks referenced. It was also interesting to have the photographs included.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Death and Suicidal thoughts
my_inner_filomena's review against another edition
5.0
Sara Baume maluje, zpívá a básní! Ty detaily, ty drobnůstky, ty zdánlivě bezvýznamný mrňavůstky! Stačí, aby na ně Sara jen zlehka a nedbale kývla hlavou a jsem u vytržení. Tohle je ono.
mariebrunelm's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-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
Frankie’s grand-mother has just passed away and the young artist has decided to take residence in her Irish-countryside cottage. There, she witnesses death in all forms and records it in a photographic project.
I was attracted to this book because of the rural Irish setting, the artist protagonist and the reflection on death and memory. I gleefully ignored the part where it said the main character took pictures of dead animals for her artistic project, and I certainly wasn’t expecting these pictures to feature at the opening of all ten parts. Which, you know, isn’t the most pleasant thing to find and didn’t make me feel particularly kindly towards the protagonist. So there was a level of discomfort in my reading experience that doesn’t especially do justice to the book, but I’ve read great reviews so I know it’s just me.
The narration is done in short sequences alternating between past and present, following Frankie’s train of thoughts. It lent a sort of impressionist air to the narrative which relies more on character observations than on any sort of plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Minor: Racism
shimmery's review against another edition
3.0
The story of Frankie, a 25 year old arts graduate who escapes her life in Dublin to live alone in the countryside bungalow her grandmother recently died in.
There is lots to like in this book, and I really enjoyed the first 100 pages or so. I like that the book is very true to life in that it follows Frankie’s thoughts and memories day to day while her daily life is mundane and repetitive. I liked all the writing about and references to art works.
The unlikable narrator made this book stifling and unpleasant a lot of the time. I think it’s intentional — Frankie is depressed and wrapped up in her own despair and unhappiness. But I found it a drag to read her racist, fat phobic comments which it doesn’t really feel like her character ever evolves from. And the fact she thinks she is better than everyone while also being horribly insecure. Maybe it’s just an uncomfortable book to read because I know I can be guilty of Frankie’s self absorption.
There is lots to like in this book, and I really enjoyed the first 100 pages or so. I like that the book is very true to life in that it follows Frankie’s thoughts and memories day to day while her daily life is mundane and repetitive. I liked all the writing about and references to art works.
The unlikable narrator made this book stifling and unpleasant a lot of the time. I think it’s intentional — Frankie is depressed and wrapped up in her own despair and unhappiness. But I found it a drag to read her racist, fat phobic comments which it doesn’t really feel like her character ever evolves from. And the fact she thinks she is better than everyone while also being horribly insecure. Maybe it’s just an uncomfortable book to read because I know I can be guilty of Frankie’s self absorption.
yvlie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.75
Even better the second time around.
megwynne's review against another edition
2.75
I enjoyed this but it definitely lagged and felt like nothing was actually happening which I suppose was kind of the point and I did like that vibe but it didn’t sustain the whole book. I found it incredibly relatable at points which I enjoyed as well
dnvrdnvr's review against another edition
reflective
fast-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Minor: Ableism, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Racism, and Vomit
jr2234's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
Theme wise, this was similar to “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” by Moshfegh though the setting of the Irish countryside felt distinct. The author infuses real works of art into the text, which I enjoyed. If the protagonist is focused on loneliness, for example, Baume introduces art work that matches the theme. I liked how you’d be able to look up these pieces as a way to further immerse yourself in the text and learn more about art.
As with “My Year of Rest and Relaxation”, the text is repetitive by design. You can sense the character’s longing to be a great artist amidst the monotony of her lived experience.
Theme wise, this was similar to “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” by Moshfegh though the setting of the Irish countryside felt distinct. The author infuses real works of art into the text, which I enjoyed. If the protagonist is focused on loneliness, for example, Baume introduces art work that matches the theme. I liked how you’d be able to look up these pieces as a way to further immerse yourself in the text and learn more about art.
As with “My Year of Rest and Relaxation”, the text is repetitive by design. You can sense the character’s longing to be a great artist amidst the monotony of her lived experience.
merireadstuff's review against another edition
4.0
very difficult to get through, because i felt almost every single thing frankie felt. had to read it for an exam but i’m kinda glad i had to, bc i would have never on my own