Benny & Shrimp

What Our Readers Are Saying

Share your thoughts on this title!

Average customer rating 4.5 (6 comments)

---

`

Honestly, I wasn't even going to bother to review this one because, well, I'm still not entirely sure what I thought of it. It is a very quirky (at least by American standards) book, which is a good thing. I mean, it is definitely unlike other books out there. I will say, first off, that the "official" summary is misleading. Based on that, I was going in to this book thinking I would be reading about people far older than the characters actually were. Perhaps it is just me, but I do not consider early- to mid-thirties to be middle aged. Okay, that being said, I will say that there are a lot of positive things about this book. It is a lighter read, if that is something you are looking for. It is also quite well-written and/or translated from Swedish. There are a lot of little phrases that are interesting--they are probably quite common in Sweden, but were unfamiliar to me. However, I thought that just added to the feel of the book. Benny and Desiree/Shrimp are both very realistic characters--which means that they aren't always likable and, frankly, there were several times when I wanted to knock some sense into one or both of them. I don't feel I can really fault Mazetti for that--after all, that is what a good writer strives to do. Yes, the book was incredibly quirky--in fact, it might be too quirky for some readers. Ultimately, though, I enjoyed the experience of reading this book, even if it left me scratching my head sometimes.

`

Opposites attract. But what then? Benny and Shrimp (whose name is actually Desirée) couldn't be more different. He's a farmer. She's a librarian in the city. His house is decorated with cross-stitch. Her apartment isn't so much decorated as it is stark white walls. He likes tractor pulls. She likes operas. But they love each other. Their relationship has plenty of obstacles, but there's a quirky and sweet quality to them, and you root for them in spite of everything. Katarina Mazetti's writing has an offbeat charm to it as she alternates chapters from Benny's and Shrimp's perspectives. Honest, occasionally blunt, often funny, and delightfully real, she's created a story that I already want to read again and I hope she writes another novel soon!

`

Serious, but strangely romantic this book is about the compromises you make, and don't, in relationships. It really makes you think about what attraction is and what, if anything, should we be willing to give up for it? And is not giving in better than being alone? Read to find out...sort of. The sequel hasn't been released in the usa yet.

`

Benny and Shrimp is a deceptively small book. It is a love story told in by the voices of a farmer and a librarian who are doing the loving and unloving. At first it was a little difficult to get into the story because the short chapters alternate briskly between the two voices. But then it seemed like a manageable way to negotiate the ever developing romance and my curiosity to hear each point of view hastened my page turning. Mazetti captures the two points of view in a convincing manner. I didn't want Benny and Shrimp to end!

`

How much are you willing to sacrifice for love? What would you give up for happiness? Would you compromise -- meet half way for that one individual that stirs your soul? Caresses your spirit? Allow me to introduce you to Benny & Shrimp. Benny's a Swedish farmer, a 30 year old country boy, w/ cows, calves & sheep. Shrimp ~ Desiree ~ is a widowed Swedish librarian, who happens to be a vegetarian. Benny's searching for a farmer's wife & Shrimp wants someone cultured. Enter a cemetery of all places. Benny's grieving the devastating loss of his mother & Shrimp's mourning the painful loss of her husband. So, how on earth did these two to get together??? One day she smiled @ him & he smiled back... Told in alternating viewpoints w/ heartache & hilarity, Benny & Shrimp deliver their story from their own standpoint. Mazetti brilliantly crafted the short chapters showcasing Benny & Shrimp's outlook. Kudos to Mazetti for describing the same moment they remembered things but just like in "real" life it was somewhat different. Mazetti's writing is extraordinary. Sarah translated Mazetti's Swedish prose to English phenomenally w/o losing any of the mettle or vibrancy of the genuine love, frustration, pride, fear & tenderness these two wounded spirits feel. As Shrimp voices, "Love makes others into doves, gazelles, cats, peacocks, but I -- quivering, wet and transparent - am your jellyfish." I couldn't put down this quirky novel & found myself wondering what was going to happen next to the charming Benny & delightful Shrimp. The cliffhanger ending leaves me eager for more... This is a heartwarming story that proves love is for everyone!

`

A quirky wonderful romance between a 30 something Swedish dairy farmer and a 30 something Swedish librarian with a white couch. What is so delightful about this story is not only how the characters are so down-to-earth and honest, but that every other chapter is written by Benny and then Shrimp describing their perspective on what's going on. They go from detesting eachother to falling in love, and we are privy to their intimate thoughts. Each character is dripping in loneliness, but are both intelligent nice people. The story is touching also as it shows how 2 normal people who are mad for each other are trying to work out all the kinks in a very interesting relationship.