Review from a Transgressive Fiction Fan
This is not a book that might have gotten my attention on the bookshelf, but was recommended to me by two close friends. So I picked it up at the bookstore when it was on the bargain shelf for $5 and I had a gift certificate. It then sat on my shelf for a few months until I started this whole reading marathon.
I’m sorry I waited so long to read it. The way the 4 narrators told their stories and how you were able to understand how the actions of one person can affect so many people was wonderful. It made me think about how I personally feel about other people’s actions and how I might not know the full story behind the scenes that led to how they might act.
I definitely recommend this book. It was a great read and one I’m glad I finally gave a chance.
“Insightful” Review from a Mainstream Reader
This is the worst book I’ve ever read and I’ve read in-progress drafts from beginning writers. There’s zero difference in the narrative voices. There’s a gimmick for how the story is being told (ex: a letter, notes by a court stenographer compelled to tell her story). The plot is laughable and the character reactions could be called “unrealistic” if the characters themselves behaved the least like actual people. I mean, “Well someone saw us together in this Vegas hotel lobby so, naturally, I killed him.” (not actual quote, just actual storyline)
I read this for a book club. It was the only book I read for the book club. I would sell it except that I feel wrong inflicting this literary pain on other people.
BTW: Coupland seems to have some very rabid supporters. When I blogged a longer review after reading it and then a shorter, softer review at Amazon, they came out of the closet to tell me how I didn’t “get it” and how ludicrous my opinion is. They’re entitled to that opinion and I’m entitled to mine: this book sucks.