Killing and Dying

by Adrian Tamine
Killing and Dying cover
Good Books rating 4.2
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  • ID: 11164
  • Added: 2026-02-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-21
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Commons Comics · Commons Comics · 2018-08-26
thoughtful 4.20

The title story is about an aspiring stand-up comic, exploring themes of humor and vulnerability. The collection is praised for its realistic and empathetic storytelling.

This review from Commons Comics focuses on the title story, which revolves around an aspiring stand-up comic. The reviewer appreciates the exploration of themes such as humor and vulnerability, noting the realistic and empathetic storytelling. They highlight the author's ability to capture the nuances of human experiences, making the collection both relatable and engaging. The review suggests that readers will find the stories thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Quick quotes

    The title story is about an aspiring young stand-up comic—thus, 'killing' refers to a joke, and 'dying' to being stranded onstage during a poor performance.

    Tomine's artwork is somehow both minimalistic and detailed, and I could definitely see the artistry in that.

    The collection is praised for its realistic and empathetic storytelling.

The Guardian · Michael Lello · 2015-11-19
profound 4.50

The collection is praised for its empathetic and insightful portrayal of adult life, marking the author's finest work. The stories are noted for their emotional depth and realistic depictions.

This review highlights the profound empathy and insight that Adrian Tomine brings to his collection of six short stories. The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and realistic portrayals of adult life, noting that these stories are among Tomine's finest work. They particularly commend the author's ability to capture the complexities of human experiences, making the collection both moving and relatable. The review suggests that readers will find these stories deeply engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    With their profoundly empathetic visions of adult life, these six stories mark the New Yorker cartoonist's finest work yet.

    The New Yorker cartoonist brings a miraculous blend of empathy and insight to this collection of six short stories.

    Tomine's artwork is somehow both minimalistic and detailed.

Goodreads · 2015-11-08
engaging 3.90

The stories are described as unpredictable, darkly funny, and deeply moving, showcasing a range of focus and technique.

This review on Goodreads emphasizes the unpredictability and emotional impact of the stories in 'Killing and Dying'. The reviewer finds the collection to be darkly funny and deeply moving, appreciating the exceptional range of focus and technique displayed. They highlight the author's ability to blend humor and emotion, creating a compelling and memorable reading experience. The review suggests that readers will enjoy the unique and varied storytelling approach.

Quick quotes

    Unpredictable, darkly funny, and deeply moving, they display an exceptional range of focus and technique.

    Tomine's latest is a beautiful book, both in its physical presentation and its storytelling.

    The stories are noted for their emotional depth and realistic depictions.

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