| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A wisp of a book,
By bonsai chicken (United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Wasteland (Hardcover)
This is the third book I've read by this author. One of the things I admire about her work is the way she writes about sensitive issues while completely avoiding any kind of reactionary attitude. This particular story involves a subject which, while entirely consensual, carries a heavy societal taboo. The matter of fact way in which it is handled is refreshing.Siblings Marina and Lex have always been very close, so close that they have always had trouble finding interest in any others. One night things go too far and shortly afterward Lex takes his own life. Marina is left to deal with the loss of the only person who ever really mattered to her. I've enjoyed Block's novels in the past, although they tend to evaporate from memory soon after I close them. 'Wasteland' was even more ethereal, seeming insubstantial even as I was reading it. Much of the story is told by Marina, as if she were speaking to her brother, reminiscing about the times they had together, and far too much of it is rambling, directionless, and inconsequential, and tedious to read through. There are a couple subplots generated but never followed through. Only a revelation at the end gives the book any impact. A mild disappointment.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wasteland-confusing? I think not.,
This review is from: Wasteland (Hardcover)
The traditional tragic story of unrequiented love. The twist? The object of Marina's LL (love/lust) is no other than her older brother, lex. Shocking? Maybe. Original? Defidently. Conservatives be forwarned, there is nothing shy about this book. Although the language might be percieved as "confusing" in the begining, I think of it as mysterious. What is he talking about? Where will this lead? A book you want to read agien, and believe me, the second time will be all the more satisfying. So take a break from those dishes and absorbe yourself in Blocks lush, poetic writing. You will be glad you did. -S
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost There,
This review is from: Wasteland (Hardcover)
It felt like Block was getting back to her Weetzie-esque style. Unlike in 'Echo', the characters were more real and relateable, particularly West. Although I've always loved Block's creativity naming characters, I did enjoy that she used more "normal" names; it made the unusual story somehow more realistic.Still, I felt like the story and characters were rushed. Did Francesca Lia Block's editor force her to meet a deadline before the story was really finished? This is particularly evident with regards to the ending of the novel. It undermines the main conflict and felt like a cop-out. Maybe Block wasn't sure how to end the novel and ran out of time. Also, she could have spent a little more time on the main characters, particularly Marina. I loved her characterizations of minor characters--Lex and Marina's schoolmates, kids at the club--but I felt like something was lacking in Marina. I'm always thrilled when a new Francesca Lia Block book comes out, but I felt like this one could have used a little more work. I would have waited a month to see what Block could have come up with.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
Suggested Tags from Similar Products(What's this?)Be the first one to add a relevant tag (keyword that's strongly related to this product).
|
|
|
