Ficciones

Ficciones cover
Good Books rating 1.75
Technical
  • ID: 5651
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
nytimes.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
disappointing 1.00

The reviewer struggled to connect with the characters in this collection of short stories, finding them unlikable and difficult to empathize with, ultimately leading them to abandon the book halfway through.

The reviewer attempted to engage with this collection of short stories but found themselves unable to continue past the halfway point. The major characters in each story were particularly off-putting, making it challenging to form any emotional connection or empathy. This lack of engagement with the characters was the primary reason for the reviewer's decision to stop reading. The stories themselves may have had potential, but the unlikable nature of the characters overshadowed any positive aspects, leaving the reviewer with a negative impression overall.


Quick quotes

    I kind of hated all the major characters in every story

    I got about halfway through this collection of short stories and then gave up.

    had serious trouble empathizing with any of them.

complete-review.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
disappointing 2.50

The reviewer found the book depressing and the characters unlikable, leading to nightmares. Despite the fine writing, they couldn't connect with the story. The reviewer appreciated the author's ability to pack a lot into a single sentence but found the collection disappointing overall. They suggested starting with an earlier collection for new readers.

The reviewer had mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, they were compelled to finish it due to the fine writing and the audiobook reader. However, they found the characters depressing and unlikable, which even gave them nightmares. The reviewer felt that the book's plot was thin and the characters' moments were not enough to make them care about them. They also mentioned that the book's sequels paled in comparison to the original stories. Despite its shortcomings, the reviewer acknowledged the author's talent for packing a lot into a single sentence and exploring surprising subjects with an unflinching and affectionate curiosity. They suggested that new readers should start with an earlier collection, such as 'Love is not a Pie.'


Quick quotes

    The fine writing and audiobook reader compelled me to finish this. But for all the 'love the unloveable' vibe I got from it, for all of my really wanting to love this book, I just couldn't. The characters had interesting moments, but mostly I didn't like them, I felt sorry for them, and they depressed me.

    Damn, she's good.

    Disappointing, because her first collection of stories was so stunning and original.

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