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melchior's reviews
85 reviews
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Barnes tries to be J. D. Salinger, but seems to consistently forget that he lacks all of his intellect and talent. This book answers the question: "What if the 14-years-old telling you 'I porked your mom' in the Halo Reach lobby was a book?" The answer: a mediocrely written, unlikeable protagonist with flaws that are not interesting. What redeems this book somewhat, is the half-interesting plot-twist, fuelled by the tacked-together dreams of being a book about the bias of memory and the unreliability of the narrator. Sadly, the author - much like the protagonist he has portrayed - has his head too far up his own ass to deliver in a compelling manner. So don't fret: you can live a perfectly decent life without ever opening this pretentious dribble.
De engelenmaker by Stefan Brijs
5.0
An incredibly compelling narrative chronicling the life and ambitions of a complicated character. The main character isn't called Victor by accident, as Frankenstein readers will be quick to notice. I've been touched, horrified, disgusted and in many other ways moved by this incredible book, which flouts the ethics of human achievement. Many twists and turns abound in a narrative structure that reminds me of Pulp Fiction (1994). Recommended reading for everyone! Basic knowledge of the New Testament will both enrich and inform your reading experience.
A Student's Introduction to English Grammar by Rodney Huddleston, Geoffrey K. Pullum
3.0
Not the most accessible nor elaborate textbook on grammar.