Woefully under-developed characters makes for a boring read.
Taking into account that contemporary society has already surpassed the science fiction acWoefully under-developed characters makes for a boring read.
Taking into account that contemporary society has already surpassed the science fiction achievements described in the book, I still don't find this to be an interesting read even for the 1960's. It took 80 pages for anything to happen, and the book is only 120 pages long. Considering that the characters had 80 pages to develop, yet somehow managed to not develop, is a testament to poor writing. Irrelevant technology does not make an old science fiction book bad - I've read a lot of incredible science fiction from the 1960's whose technology was surpassed long ago, but sadly I cannot count this over-hyped book amongst that lot....more
A Certain Plume, by Henri Michaux, felt like reading a posthumously compiled volume of every scrap and crumpled paper from the circular file.
I enjoyedA Certain Plume, by Henri Michaux, felt like reading a posthumously compiled volume of every scrap and crumpled paper from the circular file.
I enjoyed a few of the pieces, and I was thrilled to see the English translation alongside the original French; however, I am a strong believer that most poetry is not worth publishing, and as such and despite the few strong pieces, most of this book is not worth reading.
The good pieces are well-balanced snapshots of existential moments. Conversely, the bad pieces are so saturated with existentialism that all meaning is lost. Most of the pieces are nonsensical silliness devoid of any rational thought or purpose.
“Write drunk, edit sober.” - Ernest Hemingway.
I think Michaux forgot the editing sober part....more
I opened this book. I read a page, and then I read some more pages. Then I ate dinner. It's cold outside. Someone knocked on my door. Then I answered I opened this book. I read a page, and then I read some more pages. Then I ate dinner. It's cold outside. Someone knocked on my door. Then I answered the door. They were wearing a purple coat. They seemed angry. I'm wearing a tie. Suddenly their head exploded.
If you find this sort of matter-of-fact, bland, halting, devoid of vocabulary, basic writing interesting, then this book is for you. If I didn't know it was originally published in 1976, I would surely accuse this book of being written by the worst AI program ever.
Honestly, one of the most poorly written books I have ever read. I'm dumbfounded as to why this is a NYRB Book Club selection....more
