Helpful Score: 3
Difficult to read. Writing, plot, chars, difficult to grasp.
I ordinarily like a book that's a challenge. But this one didn't appeal to me. The opening line was funny enough for me to think I was going to have a good time, but the pace was quickly mired by the stylizations of the author, who introduces (without much call) ponderous literary and historical references, and quotes from the most erudite thinkers and writers, almost as if to prove that he is, or his character is -- what, older? educated?
Frankly, if it was meant to help a characterization along, then it wasn't done gracefully. I felt more like the author had a copy of "Bartlett's Familiar Quotations" by his side, and less like this style contributed to the humour, plot, or characterizations. At least the passages where the characters interacted (dialogue) were worth skipping forward to read. But I found the writing to be so pre-occupied with its "look how well-read I am" feel that I lost interest in the book entirely and ended up putting it down.
I don't recommend this book for any but the most committed reader. Someone willing to bypass easier entertainment.
I ordinarily like a book that's a challenge. But this one didn't appeal to me. The opening line was funny enough for me to think I was going to have a good time, but the pace was quickly mired by the stylizations of the author, who introduces (without much call) ponderous literary and historical references, and quotes from the most erudite thinkers and writers, almost as if to prove that he is, or his character is -- what, older? educated?
Frankly, if it was meant to help a characterization along, then it wasn't done gracefully. I felt more like the author had a copy of "Bartlett's Familiar Quotations" by his side, and less like this style contributed to the humour, plot, or characterizations. At least the passages where the characters interacted (dialogue) were worth skipping forward to read. But I found the writing to be so pre-occupied with its "look how well-read I am" feel that I lost interest in the book entirely and ended up putting it down.
I don't recommend this book for any but the most committed reader. Someone willing to bypass easier entertainment.
