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semitext's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Strictly for Bolaño completionists. Lacks the personality, momentum, and memorable turns of phrase that make up his iconic works.
marcrosenblum's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
2.0
papelgren's review against another edition
3.0
A wild little book that feels like a spiritual companion to The Savage Detectives. Bolano is always good; I just wish this work had a bit more focus. Two young poets get by in Mexico city; one of them write rambling letters to various established sci fi writers while the other wanders around and falls in love. It made me yearn for youth but not cloyingly so. Its awesome that Bolano was able to capture that side of himself; he was probably smarter at 17 than most of us are throughout our lives.
aramirezreyes's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
literarework's review against another edition
1.0
I really struggled with this book. I should have done some research on the author and Chilean-Mexican migration. The character perspective were loss to me.
geoatrophy's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jorsarian's review against another edition
4.0
I liked it, but only because I knew it was an unfinished project before I went in. I liked the letters, and I liked the parts that clearly, eventually became the Savage Detectives. The third part, the interview, is sometimes hard to follow and is not revisited in the second half of the book. That part feels very unfinished.
It can be interesting to read unfinished works. Some do not hold together at all, but the Spirit of Science Fiction held together for me. In the end, I was left with an interest in the characters, where they were going, and a desire to own a 1960s-70s era Benelli motorcycle.
If you like the Savage Detectives, you will probably get something out of this.
It can be interesting to read unfinished works. Some do not hold together at all, but the Spirit of Science Fiction held together for me. In the end, I was left with an interest in the characters, where they were going, and a desire to own a 1960s-70s era Benelli motorcycle.
If you like the Savage Detectives, you will probably get something out of this.
firthc's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-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
jennylimmy's review against another edition
2.0
Although clearly written by a talented young man, this book was too focused on the author’s own navel (at best).