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feedingbrett's reviews
187 reviews
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Defying expectations, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. has infused this anti-war tale with a dash of comedy through a funnel of imagination. Whilst the basis of its narrative is historically rooted, its taken perspective plays with form, uniquely shedding new light, generating questions through its musings, and revealing comedy through its peculiarities. By the end, it is evident that war is senseless, and that life is meaningless - if you decide to look for the wrong things.
Maison Ikkoku Collector's Edition, Vol. 6 by Rumiko Takahashi
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.5
While the notable maturity for Godai was much appreciated, the overall narrative coupling of a subplot that involves an underage infatuation for him left me icky - notably since sexual contact takes place, even if accidental. Takahashi continues her cozy slice of life and her comedy that focuses on life's frequent ironies. I remain interested to see where the chips may lie for Godai and Kyoko.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A tragic tracing of a woman's life, whose perceived sins are not her own doing, with a supposed influence on those that view or interact with her, yet rarely a trace of accountability for their wrongdoings. Thomas Hardy has placed his fingers on the beating pulse of societal injustice, revealing his ironies and subconscious toxicity that often scrambles to find a scapegoat. Hardy has sketched a world that feels almost impossible to reason with, forcing sufferers to merely endure. Tess of the D'Urberville speaks just as much of the world as it does of its titular character. While a protagonist in her narrative, never is her autonomy held intact. This is not a story for seeking comfort but rather an exercise for sympathy. Yes, I say sympathy rather than empathy, as though Hardy does efficiently in stretching its hands for our understanding, the laid pathway is not a direct guide on how to overcome such repeated adversities, but rather a lesson on its particular themes. While I am not attempting to extinguish others' eagerness towards this novel, warning of its narrative battery should hopefully tame expectations. This is a story that has inspired me to facilitate conversations with those closest to me and spend ample time for reflection, both have served a betterment of the overall experience.
Tomie by Junji Ito
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
While I was fascinated by the concept and the variety of stories on its titular character - or should I say characters - I was left emotionally detached by the overall experience. A requirement for reinvestment with each new story brought only repetitiveness rather than significant revelations or developments. Ultimately, the entire experience was an unappetising one, saved only by its engaging premise and wicked art design.
The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA by James D. Watson
informative
slow-paced
3.0
While interesting in its recount that led to the significant titular discovery, my mere understanding of this branch of science has led me to focus instead on the emotional throughput of James Watson’s historical details and personal expressions. It provided me with not only a window of the author, but also of those with whom he interacts, collaborates, and credits within the entire timeline. It is certainly not a chore of a read, but its niche subject does pose some, to an extent, barrier to one’s enjoyment.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The agenda was never in the refinement of its world-building, as to dive into such detailings would run the risk of self-glorification or romanticisation of such a life, despite its dystopian framework. Instead, this intentional limitation of perspective of the story brings forth a greater impact of its discoveries, witnessing the impact of the world on its inhabitants rather than searching for a clue to topple it; thus living up to its title. I was left always curious and my appetite per chapter was always catered to, albeit in careful and measured servings.
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I feel that I’m not in a position to give an opinion so concrete. My thoughts and emotions are scrambled and confused with my overall impression. There is much to take in and yet I am uncertain whether what is being absorbed has or will truly connect with me. I feel this distance with this intimate recount of the protagonist’s journey, but my fascination to understand and empathise lingers heavily; a desire to someday turn this all into something familiar.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
How do you take life’s biggest questions and shrink them down to a story that is engaging and palatable? With a few laughs, of course. I don’t mean to say that Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy ridicules the pursuit and contemplation of such questions, but rather reinterpreted it into something familiar and amusing. Its readers are sent to vast distances and exotic locations that are remote from us, and yet it feels ironically familiar. It is in its subtle intention that despite all of our differences within this vast universe, that we are intrinsically tugged and led by the same strings.
The Outsider by Albert Camus
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Deliberate in its withheld sentimentality and ambiguity, The Outsider takes on a direct perspective of reality, one that is often sensationalised and romanticised to achieve empathy, catharsis, and entertainment. Whether taken from an intellectual approach or a recreational one, there is always something to harvest here. It may sometimes feel empty, but it is the purpose of that emptiness, or at least the perception of it, that drives my curiosity.
Maison Ikkoku Collector's Edition, Vol. 3 by Rumiko Takahashi
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Following the second collector’s volume, this third collection of chapters of Godai and Kyoko finds their relationship and their individual journeys taking another step forward, albeit incremental. However, the amusing mishaps and circumstances that our characters are in are far more entertaining here than what was showcased in the previous volume. Rumiko Takahashi has allowed me to feel closer to these characters and left me in anticipation of what is to come next.