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A review by philibin
Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
(4.5 Stars)
I have a bit of a rough history with this book. I started reading it over a decade ago, and I really struggled with the physical copy. I was equal parts impressed with the experimental way the book was written, with my inability to "get past" the lack of proper spelling and grammar (it was a "me" problem). But I loved the concept. I just couldn't finish it, but it never completely left my mind.
A few years ago I tried reading it again, this time the ebook version. I was able to get slightly farther, but not by much. Eventually I gave up. Then I had an idea... maybe an audiobook would work for me?
I searched for a service that would have an audiobook version, and looked at several libraries. Finally after years, I was able to obtain a copy of the audio recording!
The long wait did not disappoint. This book was very well written, a future dystopian "history" steeped in mythology, lore, music, rhymes, and a richly created culture. The world is both familiar and alien, the characters are real and impossible. This book is gritty, but beautiful.
I have a bit of a rough history with this book. I started reading it over a decade ago, and I really struggled with the physical copy. I was equal parts impressed with the experimental way the book was written, with my inability to "get past" the lack of proper spelling and grammar (it was a "me" problem). But I loved the concept. I just couldn't finish it, but it never completely left my mind.
A few years ago I tried reading it again, this time the ebook version. I was able to get slightly farther, but not by much. Eventually I gave up. Then I had an idea... maybe an audiobook would work for me?
I searched for a service that would have an audiobook version, and looked at several libraries. Finally after years, I was able to obtain a copy of the audio recording!
The long wait did not disappoint. This book was very well written, a future dystopian "history" steeped in mythology, lore, music, rhymes, and a richly created culture. The world is both familiar and alien, the characters are real and impossible. This book is gritty, but beautiful.