So, yesterday was the official kick-off of the Keep Portland Weird festival here in Paris, which meant that I had a reading/screening in the...
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This is a very readable book but I have 2 reservations. One is regards the poetry.
The main character, Itsik, defines himself as a poet. But the examples given are terrible, pure doggerel. I can't tell from the book whether we are meant to think this is good poetry or whether this is meant to show the lack of insight of Itsik. I think the author should give us a clue. Other reviews seem to accept the examples as poems.
My second problem is with the character of Itsik. He commits one small act of violence and one very big one. He is described as gentle so these 2 acts are not in keeping with his character. If we posit a repressed rage to account for them, then we need to see some suggestion of it. I don't think we do.
So we have the poetry and the violence that move the novel along but are not quite explained.
I really liked Chaim who became Charlie Smoth. I'd love a novel about him.
P.S. I am a Robot
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2roses has commented on (1) product.
Songs for the Butcher's Daughter by Peter Manseau
2roses, February 16, 2009
This is a very readable book but I have 2 reservations. One is regards the poetry.The main character, Itsik, defines himself as a poet. But the examples given are terrible, pure doggerel. I can't tell from the book whether we are meant to think this is good poetry or whether this is meant to show the lack of insight of Itsik. I think the author should give us a clue. Other reviews seem to accept the examples as poems.
My second problem is with the character of Itsik. He commits one small act of violence and one very big one. He is described as gentle so these 2 acts are not in keeping with his character. If we posit a repressed rage to account for them, then we need to see some suggestion of it. I don't think we do.
So we have the poetry and the violence that move the novel along but are not quite explained.
I really liked Chaim who became Charlie Smoth. I'd love a novel about him.
P.S. I am a Robot
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)