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feedingbrett's reviews
187 reviews
Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne
adventurous
lighthearted
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? No
3.5
Right off the bat, Jules Verne had me gripped on a tight vice. Journey to the Centre of the Earth thrusts you in a wave of momentum that rivals even some of the most adventurous works of cinema. The pacing is upbeat and contagious, whilst its storytelling navigates us along through a balancing act of fun scientific exposition (though its integrity is lost on me, it was entertaining nonetheless) and action-based progression. With that, it did run the risk of the characterisation being an almost empty tank, favouring more so thematic gestures of the human spirit rather than delivering us a complexity of its key characters. That momentum that was generated at the beginning does eventually wean as it approaches its climax and finale. It's a shame since he did so well in setting up an infectious premise, only to lead us to an ending that seems to deliver far less than what had been promised. With this, I do not mean only in the manner of plotting, but also in its thematic address and emphasis, which was far less than I had hoped. That being said, this is truly a fun ride and Verne has a way of sweeping his readers off their feet into the exciting motivations and daring ambitions of his characters, and I believe that warrants enough for anybody to give this a shot.
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
After finishing Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, I was contemplating its strengths and finding the words to describe it, and the one word that stuck out to me was 'balance'. Yes, I was impressed by Wharton's ability to balance this story of a young man from the New York upper-class families developing an emotional affair with his fiance's cousin, Ellen Olenska, while also revolving around the latter's attempt of reassimilation within the New York's upper-class scene after a failed marriage in Europe. In this balance, we are given a tour of the conflicting heart of its protagonist, whilst reaching into the intricate depths that form and structuralise this New York scene. It is through the author's clever way of restraining from over-description, allowing the directness of its story to move the readers along but also illuminating into new avenues and trains of thought. Through the subtle and intentional direction of its narrator, we (the readers) are constantly in a state of growth and discovery, and yet Wharton refuses to sensationalise developments and revelations in order to retain a sense of composure, mimicking the mechanics of this upper-class society. This was definitely a balanced and smooth experience.
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I feel what most impressed me with Charlotte's Web is the maturity that rests within its simple story. Unafraid to enter into the territory of existentialism to drive its narrative theme forward and rarely is it dumbed down to suit its targeted young demographic; an adult can read this and gain just as much, perhaps even more, from the experience. White prioritises action and direct dialogue to flow its story along, and honestly, it makes for a very easy, entertaining, and engaging experience. Characters manage to show depth and growth through the actions they make and the words they speak, with moral compasses finding that tricky grey area that remains stimulating for readers.
Blood on the Tracks, Vol. 7 by Shuzo Oshimi
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As I mentioned in my comments for the previous volume, that was a volume that notified me that something was brewing and this seventh volume undoubtedly solidified this theory. We have now slowly transitioned away from the shifting internal conflict that wrestled inside our protagonist, and instead, finally succumbing to a particular direction. It is starting to become clear who won in that power struggle and how that has begun to manifest in Seiichi. Oshimi's art style remains consistent, with perhaps less reliant on mood, and more so in direct action. Harsher shadings are used sparingly to coincide with this recent progression in the narrative, but still retain that focused and tight close-ups that defined its previous volumes.
Blood on the Tracks, Vol. 5 by Shuzo Oshimi
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.5
Perhaps it was the fact that I am reading and assessing this volume in isolation from the chapters that lie ahead, but this volume acts as more of a primary development for our protagonist and his relationship with Fukiishi. The parallels that are being drawn are undoubtedly fascinating and makes for great depth in the story. However, these parallels do make this entire part of the story feel impacted when it comes to female representation and diversity. That being said, this is not so much a criticism of Oshimi's overall intentions, as I am only commenting upon isolation and predictive pathways that may come ahead. This is still a strong entry into the series that has only fuelled my encouragement rather than dwindle it.
Blood on the Tracks, Vol. 4 by Shuzo Oshimi
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
At this point, I'm starting to understand the feeling that our protagonist has been going through, that tight feeling wrapped around his neck just from the thought of his mother is the exact same feeling that Oshimi has held over me. There is an incredible amount of tension that is maintained throughout this volume, even during its breakthrough moments. Oshimi's refusal to easily supply catharsis for his readers is one of the reasons why one feels completely locked in reading it. That dreadful anticipation of what may just unfold on the next page is both unsettling and exciting. I am just gushing over this series.
Blood on the Tracks, Vol. 3 by Shuzo Oshimi
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Being the sceptic pessimist that I am, I was convinced that the one-two punch success of the first two volumes of Blood on the Tracks was a fluke, in that at some point Shūzō Oshimi is going to stumble. As I was flipping through the pages of this third volume, that proved less and less the case. Once again, the focused framing, dramatic shadings, cleverly sparing dialogue, and nuanced characterisation are all here to assemble, again, a perfect continuation to this story. This peak could only last for so long, right?
Blood on the Tracks, Vol. 2 by Shuzo Oshimi
dark
mysterious
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
5.0
Jumping off the cliff-hanger of its first volume, Shūzō Oshimi continues forward that shocked state that was left upon its protagonist, and also its viewers. Oshimi utilises, once again, harsh shadows, focused framing, and silent passages to shape this tense and internally horrific state that Seiichi is in. Each look, each decision, and each spoken word carries a weight that may suddenly turn the tide on what may emerge afterwards, and it is in this tight grip that it manages to leave upon me that I was left stunned and also impressed by Oshimi's storytelling. I wonder if this excellence would continue its momentum in the chapters to come.
Blood on the Tracks, Vol. 1 by Shuzo Oshimi
dark
mysterious
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
4.5
Almost as if each frame was meticulously thought of, with each image a fascinating and immersive focal point and its storytelling delivered a strong sense of pacing and rhythm, Shūzō Oshimi hooked me in. Moving through slowly, perhaps even meditatively, Blood on the Tracks did not cheaply sell its drama, thrills, tensions, and quiet horror. It struck a beautiful balance of intriguing me and inducing questions that my mind was always engaged, even despite its relaxed momentum. This is as strong as an opener as any could get, and I am eager to see what Oshimi plans for me next.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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? Yes
3.0
Charles Dickens likes to peer into the capitalist burden and hypocrisy of the 19th century, and though A Christmas Carol may not seem to be a criticism of such concepts from the outside, but unpacking its narrative, undoubtedly, it traced a thread that hits those critical points - one that could be, in a way, comprehend by all ages. Perhaps it was the writing style of Dickens that put a halt in my enthusiasm, perceiving his tendencies for being densely descriptive and taking on an all-too-knowing perspective that impacted both its pacing and overall focus.