Recently, in our teeny tiny book club, we finished reading something that had quite a profound effect on me. Profound enough, in fact, that I wanted to try something I haven’t done since probably 7th grade: a book report (or I guess a review since adults don’t do book reports)! So, without further ado… the Will’s Dumb Brain Review of “The Days of Abandonment” by Elena Ferrante:
This was an excellent review. You captured the vibe of the book perfectly - without giving away too much. I have to admit I’m so relieved that you liked it, I was quite nervous for us all.
I can’t wait to read more of her books. Her writing style is one that makes me crave the world she builds.
That review was the equivalent of sitting in the first row of an Imax showing a roller coaster. I wasn't on the actual ride, but I definitely got a vivid sense of what it was like. Bravo!
The book itself was quite a rollercoaster ride in that the whole time I kept thinking "I don't know if I like this. I'm very anxious and I kinda want to throw up." but when it was over, I was like, "yeah that was pretty good!"
This made me feel good. It revived for me the days that I spent decades ago, reading “Lonesome Dove”, by Larry McMurtry for the first time. After the first night, I went another day and a half reading, napping, reading napping, until finally having to acknowledge with deep sadness that, despite my desire for more, page 689 or whatever it was was the last page. I was so into it--each key character Capt. Woodrow Call and Capt. Augustus McCrae of the Texas Rangers imbued every character trait I had ever valued (and still do) but didn’t necessarily each share them all, adding vulnerability, humor and different approaches to being code guys. The 4 part TV series was true to the book and I watch it during every plane ride to this day. Robert DuVall as Gus and Tommy Lee Jones as Call were and remain riveting. There were a couple huge casting errors of key characters badly played by Angelica Huston and Frederick Forrest, but even those did nothing to taint the brilliance of DuVall and Jones and the main protagonists. Sometimes a book grabs you by the throat and won’t let go! Thanks for bringing those memories to life for me thru your mesmerizing description of your reaction to her work. Good on ya! Keep ‘em coming! Ty
Steve convinced me to read Lonesome Dove years ago and it is still one of my favorite books ever. This comment reminded me that I'm probably in for a re-read!
Lonesome Dove is one I could re-read every year. I love Woodrow and Augustus (and their on screen avatars Duval and Jones) and Blue Duck is a terrifying villain. Those snakes in the river are pretty bad, too!
This was an excellent review. You captured the vibe of the book perfectly - without giving away too much. I have to admit I’m so relieved that you liked it, I was quite nervous for us all.
I can’t wait to read more of her books. Her writing style is one that makes me crave the world she builds.
Thank you so much for picking this book! It really broadened my horizons and I'm very thankful for the fact that someone forced me to read Ferrante
That review was the equivalent of sitting in the first row of an Imax showing a roller coaster. I wasn't on the actual ride, but I definitely got a vivid sense of what it was like. Bravo!
The book itself was quite a rollercoaster ride in that the whole time I kept thinking "I don't know if I like this. I'm very anxious and I kinda want to throw up." but when it was over, I was like, "yeah that was pretty good!"
Can't wait to read it (I think)!
it's so good, but so stressful! Just be ready!
This made me feel good. It reminded me of reading “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry
This made me feel good. It revived for me the days that I spent decades ago, reading “Lonesome Dove”, by Larry McMurtry for the first time. After the first night, I went another day and a half reading, napping, reading napping, until finally having to acknowledge with deep sadness that, despite my desire for more, page 689 or whatever it was was the last page. I was so into it--each key character Capt. Woodrow Call and Capt. Augustus McCrae of the Texas Rangers imbued every character trait I had ever valued (and still do) but didn’t necessarily each share them all, adding vulnerability, humor and different approaches to being code guys. The 4 part TV series was true to the book and I watch it during every plane ride to this day. Robert DuVall as Gus and Tommy Lee Jones as Call were and remain riveting. There were a couple huge casting errors of key characters badly played by Angelica Huston and Frederick Forrest, but even those did nothing to taint the brilliance of DuVall and Jones and the main protagonists. Sometimes a book grabs you by the throat and won’t let go! Thanks for bringing those memories to life for me thru your mesmerizing description of your reaction to her work. Good on ya! Keep ‘em coming! Ty
Steve convinced me to read Lonesome Dove years ago and it is still one of my favorite books ever. This comment reminded me that I'm probably in for a re-read!
Lonesome Dove is one I could re-read every year. I love Woodrow and Augustus (and their on screen avatars Duval and Jones) and Blue Duck is a terrifying villain. Those snakes in the river are pretty bad, too!
Also if you’re fans of the words, Sperm and Holes, this book is for you.
I hate this comment, but you're not wrong
Hmmm, not sure if that's a big sales point for me. But thanks for the teaser.
you can lie to me.
but don’t lie to yourself.
🤣