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feedingbrett's reviews
187 reviews
Maison Ikkoku Collector's Edition, Vol. 2 by Rumiko Takahashi
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
With its continuation of Godai and Kyoko’s personal growth and complicated relationship, this second volume, surprisingly, seems to slow itself down when it comes to character development. Had it not been for Kyoko’s parents now in the picture, a lot of what it has to offer is more on the line of amusing vignettes. The story doesn't support itself due to the persistence of its supporting characters being an active barricade of their relationship; they have now reached a point of being a nuisance for the reader. I have great interest in seeing its protagonists grow, but given the sparse allowance for such a prospect, I can’t help but feel underwhelmed.
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
H.G. Wells has created a narrative opportunity for the discourse of the dangerous possibilities of the current unknown. The anthropological and existential response that emerges from such a threat is addressed but hardly explored. There is a tendency towards the description of the physical experience rather than elaborating on the insightful reactions that one would have from such a circumstance. Essentially there is a favour of a plot that may result in shock and excitement at the time of its publishing but feels limiting within our current context. When the film does tease at its larger questions and the familiarity of the human response to such threats, there was a hold of me, but it was a feeling that felt short and sparse.
Get Shorty by Elmore Leonard
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Self-awareness is the driving factor of Get Shorty’s narrative, also, it is the impressionable aspect that intrigues and entertains its readers. Elmore Leonard’s trip through Los Angeles is not all about bright lights and fame, ironically it is rather the clamour for such successes and the deprived state that the landscape could often lead its citizens to that feeds this story, all emphasised through the revealing of social threads that shape and gate-keep this system and how it’s manipulated for their gain. While that may seem like a story that breeds and fosters despicable characters, Leonard maintains our sympathy through the peeling of their motivations, opening the rationales that allow them to be identifiable and worthy of our attention. There is a captured feeling of life’s improvised moments, a “one step at a time” mindset that eventuates towards something, whatever that something is we don’t know, but throughout we have an idea of what we want or hope it would be.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
dark
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
The striking balance that Emily Brontë demonstrated in Wuthering Heights was found in her ability to unearth from her reader detest and sympathy towards her characters, and it was in that balance where my regard, interest and curiosity for its characters stemmed from. A desire crept in me to see the outcome for its characters, seeing how their applied and interior tortures would ultimately shape them; an attempt to intercept Brontë’s intentions with them was futile.
The Flowers of Evil - Complete, 4 by Shuzo Oshimi
challenging
reflective
fast-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? Yes
4.0
A conclusion that seeks not to sensationalise but rather to maturely attain clarity and closure. This final collection looks into moving past the trauma and finally set a direction for its characters to follow. While it offers an opportunity for catharsis, it feels both appropriate and earned, leaving me satisfied.
The Flowers of Evil - Complete, 3 by Shuzo Oshimi
challenging
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
4.0
The last two complete volumes lead its readers to a point of catharsis, this collection acts as a retrieval for those shattered pieces in the hopes of being mended. That delectable emotional rush may be missing here, but it is replaced with a calm flow that prioritises maturity and insight in its character development. I am left eager for the conclusive statement that its next collection will bring.
The Flowers of Evil - Complete, 2 by Shuzo Oshimi
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-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? Yes
4.0
A clear expansion from the foundations set by the first few volumes, this second ‘complete’ collection lays bare its trauma. Manifested almost like a conversation with the audience, showing its pain with confusion and torture, in search of meaning and catharsis. Shūzō Oshimi may not have placed us in a rattling torture chamber as it was in the first three volumes, but instead mirror the experience like a scab, repeatedly and prematurely picked, delaying the healing process.
The Flowers of Evil - Complete, 1 by Shuzo Oshimi
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
An intimate presentation of this coming-of-age story, one that opens up the conflicted soul of a person. With a protagonist’s soul at stake, a moral compass spinning in confusion, anticipating self-destruction or an absolution; Shuzo Oshimi writes with an all too familiar honesty that effortlessly gains your empathy. Refusing to let plotting cripple its storytelling, the characters and their personal affairs are at the forefront of the narrative. I am left encouraged to search my own demons, reflect, and identify them for what they are.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
dark
tense
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
There is wonderful ease and simplicity to William Golding’s writing. Descriptions rarely find themselves rambling and character development is served elegantly under the structured pace of its storytelling. Golding keeps himself well-positioned within the mindset of its young characters as a means of leading his readers to a narrative that feels intimate and plausible.
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
My initial impression of Breakfast at Tiffany's hadn't changed from the moment this second read ended. However, it was in my allowance to ponder that critical questions began to be raised. These are questions that brought a post-read engagement to the story that stimulated my fascination to look deeper into the text and see beyond the mere superficiality that I had falsely labelled it to have. It remains entertaining, shaping an air of mystery towards its primary subject, and comments on the cultural life that surrounds her - without necessarily losing its focus. If this motivation remains consistent, another read is coming my way soon.