Moopy Book Club (July): Andre Aciman - "Enigma Variations"
- Thread starter Cerro de Casa
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Sheena
CALL IT HOUSE
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- he/him
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- Feb 3, 2004
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So I want to play Book Club but am a bit behind. I agree pretty much entirely with the reviews here for this, which I have just finished.
The first story was the best, absolutely, albeit rather uncomfortable reading at times for me. Beyond the story about meeting Manfred, it became a real slog. And yes, I think actively disliking the main character was the reason- but was that not also the point? It reeked of self loathing.
The thing that gets me with Aciman is how beautifully he writes. He never misses an opportunity for wonderful prose, my favourite being the fan like a disenchanted raven, or whatever it was.
Anyway, 2.5/5 overall. Not a patch on Call Me By Your Name...
The first story was the best, absolutely, albeit rather uncomfortable reading at times for me. Beyond the story about meeting Manfred, it became a real slog. And yes, I think actively disliking the main character was the reason- but was that not also the point? It reeked of self loathing.
The thing that gets me with Aciman is how beautifully he writes. He never misses an opportunity for wonderful prose, my favourite being the fan like a disenchanted raven, or whatever it was.
Anyway, 2.5/5 overall. Not a patch on Call Me By Your Name...
RS
Leftover
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I’m currently reading his Out of Egypt (which is non-fiction/autobiographical) and it’s so so beautifully told and so entertaining, anyone from the Middle East/south Europe will recognize/relate to the characters.
Really recommend it to anyone who’s interested in the multicultural history of the Middle east/Levant.
Really recommend it to anyone who’s interested in the multicultural history of the Middle east/Levant.
ZZ
stop staring
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I just finished this and apart from the childhood and early life stories (up to Manfred) I guess, everything else was absolutely bloody BORING. I should've learned my lesson from the borefest that Call Me By Your Name was, but I'm not a fast learner apparently.
I think the talent a writer should have is even when the story is about someone you're meant to dislike, the way they are portrayed maintains your interest to know what happens to them. On the contrary, this Paul character was extremely boring. I couldn't have cared less if he was hit by a bus or a building fell on him.
And I'm never reading an Aciman book again (I think).
I think the talent a writer should have is even when the story is about someone you're meant to dislike, the way they are portrayed maintains your interest to know what happens to them. On the contrary, this Paul character was extremely boring. I couldn't have cared less if he was hit by a bus or a building fell on him.
And I'm never reading an Aciman book again (I think).
