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videotape's reviews
21 reviews
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I appreciate that this was written by a woman at a time with virtually no female writers, and I appreciate that in 1818 this would've been a blood-curdling gothic masterpiece and that I am reading from a modern perspective...
but its so lethargic. The characters whine and mope for chapters at a time with no real plot depth. I fear even the book feels depressed and sorry for itself.
Sure, the gothic elements are fascinating - and by God it is much better than 'The Castle Of Otranto', but I wouldn't be reading it again. Not for a while atleast.
but its so lethargic. The characters whine and mope for chapters at a time with no real plot depth. I fear even the book feels depressed and sorry for itself.
Sure, the gothic elements are fascinating - and by God it is much better than 'The Castle Of Otranto', but I wouldn't be reading it again. Not for a while atleast.
The Imitation Game: Three Plays for Television by Ian McEwan, Ian McEwan
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I think my problem with McEwan's writing is that he too often borders on the weird for futile reasons. The first two plays both feel quite randomly strange, while the imitation game - while interesting - feels rushed and incomplete.
Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A Doll's House? Never heard of it... Hedda Gabler's where it's at.
Ibsen is so joyous to read, due to his incredible talent of writing such realistic characters. No matter how unrelatable the scenario is, in this case social politics at the top of the Norwegian hierarchy during the late Victorian era, Ibsen's realism greatly accentuates the slimy, complex nature of each persona; resulting in a cacophony of rich, somehow relatable story-threads that climax with the collision of each characters true intentions.
Gone are the melodramatic tropes of watered down Shakespearean dramas, and here are the days of a more realistic theatrical experience.
Ibsen is so joyous to read, due to his incredible talent of writing such realistic characters. No matter how unrelatable the scenario is, in this case social politics at the top of the Norwegian hierarchy during the late Victorian era, Ibsen's realism greatly accentuates the slimy, complex nature of each persona; resulting in a cacophony of rich, somehow relatable story-threads that climax with the collision of each characters true intentions.
Gone are the melodramatic tropes of watered down Shakespearean dramas, and here are the days of a more realistic theatrical experience.
Why I Write by George Orwell
medium-paced
5.0
I daren't write an essay for this one as I'll greatly offend Orwell with my poor writing skills, and therefore disregard the very meaning of the book. Each essay is well educated and calculated in their manner, and are incredibly proactive when looking at them through a modern lense. It's a pretty snazzy read.
A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen
fast-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? Yes
5.0
Filled with flawed characters, A Doll's House successfully highlights the problems with patriarchy, despite Ibsen arguing it was not a work of feminism. Phenomenally clever, excited to read more of Ibsen's works!
Salome by Oscar Wilde
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
If Cats Disappeared From The World by Genki Kawamura
hopeful
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
2D, dull and formulaic - lacking in interest and wholly a dissapointment. Any charm clearly got lost on me or in translation.
In Between the Sheets by Ian McEwan
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Generally boring collection of short stories that often feel devoid of emotion. Psychopolis sucked a little less than the rest of them, but only because I half cared for some of the characters. Though, this review isn't to demonstrate that the book is particularly bad in certain areas, more the lack of good aspects leading it to underwhelm.