Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
38(38%)
4 stars
32(32%)
3 stars
30(30%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More

Brilliant! This work is even better than his plays. It truly showcases his remarkable talent and creativity. The way he weaves words together, constructs sentences, and develops the story is simply outstanding. I am completely captivated by his writing style and the depth of his ideas.


Now, he has firmly established himself as my favorite writer. I can't wait to explore more of his works and see what other masterpieces he has in store for us. His writing has the power to transport me to different worlds, make me feel a wide range of emotions, and inspire me in ways I never thought possible.


Whether it's the vivid descriptions, the engaging characters, or the thought-provoking themes, everything about his writing is just perfect. I highly recommend his works to anyone who has a love for literature and wants to experience something truly extraordinary.

July 15,2025
... Show More

A brilliant collection of short stories awaits the reader, and it contains some truly remarkable passages from Beckett's writings. Take, for example, the last couple of pages of 'The End'. Here, the first-person narrator lies on a boat that evokes echoes of Rimbaud's "Le Bateau Ivre". The imagery is both vivid and haunting, transporting the reader into a world of its own.


Then there is 'Texts for Nothing', with its relentless assault against words. Beckett seems to be challenging the very essence of language, pushing it to its limits and beyond. It is a bold and experimental work that forces the reader to question their own relationship with words.


Finally, there are the science fiction tropes in 'The Lost Ones'. Beckett's unique take on this genre adds an element of the unexpected and the extraordinary. His prose remains as unique as ever, with its sheer brilliance and its attempts to reach that something beyond language. It is a collection that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

July 15,2025
... Show More

It is indeed possible to perceive Beckett's genius within these short stories. However, for the most part, I continuously found myself reflecting on how his dramatic works were far more inspired and less repetitive.


Perhaps if these short stories were dispersed throughout a comprehensive _Collected Works_, they might have been more palatable. As they stand now, there is a certain sameness that begins to wear on the reader.


Nevertheless, one cannot deny the flashes of brilliance that Beckett manages to convey even in these brief narratives. His unique style and perspective are still evident, albeit somewhat overshadowed by the superiority of his dramatic output.


It would be interesting to see how these short stories would fare in the context of a more extensive collection, where they could be juxtaposed with his other works and perhaps gain a newfound significance.

July 15,2025
... Show More

Ok, I must admit that I didn't read every single word of it. However, what I did manage to read caught my attention and I found it quite interesting. If you are the kind of person who enjoys seeing someone play around with language, push its boundaries, and experiment rather than being overly concerned with simply conveying a plot, then you will most likely enjoy this. I can't claim that Beckett's prose is exactly to my taste. It's not something that I would typically gravitate towards. But there is an interesting aspect to it, almost in a puzzle-like way. It makes you think, it challenges you to figure out what he is trying to convey, and in that sense, it has its own unique charm.

July 15,2025
... Show More
The quality of different things may vary greatly. It could range from excellent to poor. However, one thing that seems to remain constant is the misery.

Misery can manifest in various forms. It could be the pain of a broken heart, the stress of a difficult job, or the hardships of poverty. No matter what the source, it has the power to weigh us down and make our lives seem unbearable at times.

Despite the differences in quality that we encounter in our daily lives, the presence of misery is an inescapable reality. It is something that we all have to face at some point. But it is also important to remember that there is always hope. We can find ways to cope with our misery, to reach out for help, and to look for the light at the end of the tunnel.

No matter how bad things may seem, we should never give up. Because in the end, it is our ability to persevere through the misery that defines us and makes us stronger.
July 15,2025
... Show More
"Che disastro, i ricordi. Non bisogna pensare a certe cose, a quelle che ci stanno a cuore, o piuttosto bisogna pensarci, perché altrimenti si rischia di ritrovarle, nella memoria, a poco a poco. Cioè bisogna pensarci per un po', giusto un po', tutti i giorni e parecchie volte al giorno, fino a che non le ricopra un insormontabile strato di melma. È un ordine."


The memories are such a disaster. We shouldn't think about certain things, those that are dear to us. Or rather, we should think about them, because otherwise we risk finding them in our memory little by little. That is, we should think about them for a while, just a little while, every day and several times a day, until an insurmountable layer of sludge covers them. It's an order.


Al di là dei bei racconti (be', alcuni molto belli, altri decisamente ostici) e delle belle traduzioni, il vero pregio di questa raccolta è di riuscire, pur soffermandosi su una singola categoria della produzione beckettiana, a delineare tutti i passaggi fondamentali della sua evoluzione estetica e artistica. Lo ritengo ideale tanto per un primo quanto per un ultimo approccio a questo autore.


Beyond the beautiful stories (well, some are very beautiful, others are decidedly cumbersome) and the beautiful translations, the true value of this collection is to succeed, even by focusing on a single category of Beckett's work, in outlining all the fundamental steps of his aesthetic and artistic evolution. I consider it ideal both for a first and for a last approach to this author.


Postilla: la mia edizione, purtroppo, è infarcita di refusi e c'è persino un erroraccio di impaginazione. Peccato, Einaudi.


Footnote: My edition, unfortunately, is full of rejections and there is even a terrible pagination error. What a pity, Einaudi.
July 15,2025
... Show More
The book that I most frequently go back to is, in particular, the "Fizzles".

This remarkable book has a special charm that keeps drawing me in. The stories within it are filled with unique characters and exciting adventures.

Each time I open its pages, I am transported to a world full of imagination and wonder. The "Fizzles" has taught me many valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and perseverance.

It has also inspired me to be more creative and to think outside the box. The vivid descriptions and engaging plots make it a joy to read again and again.

No matter how many times I return to this book, it always manages to surprise and delight me. It truly is a literary gem that I will cherish for a long time.

I highly recommend the "Fizzles" to anyone who loves a good story and wants to embark on a magical journey.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I have a particular fondness for two works, namely 'The Lost Ones' and 'Fizzle 8'.

'The Lost Ones' offers a captivating and mysterious storyline that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters are well-developed, and the setting is vividly described, making it easy to immerse oneself in the story.

'Fizzle 8', on the other hand, has a unique charm. It presents a different kind of adventure, filled with excitement and unexpected twists. The writing style is engaging, and the author has a talent for creating a sense of anticipation and suspense.

Both of these works have left a lasting impression on me, and I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys a good read. Whether you are a fan of mystery, adventure, or simply a great story, 'The Lost Ones' and 'Fizzle 8' are sure to satisfy.
July 15,2025
... Show More
In 2019, a couple of tales managed to strike a chord deep within the bones. However, the rest of the reading material truly turned out to be a miserable experience. The stories were incoherent, with elements that seemed gratuitous. The themes of death, time, age, and aloneness were repeated over and over again in a needless and convoluted manner.

Well, perhaps I have been inpatient. I really must make an effort to try again. Maybe there are hidden gems within those pages that I have overlooked due to my initial frustration. It's important not to give up too easily, as sometimes a second chance can reveal something truly remarkable. I will approach the reading with a more open mind and a willingness to engage with the material on a deeper level. Who knows what I might discover this time around?

July 15,2025
... Show More
As it so happens, the three sections of this remarkable masterpiece are indeed the finest work that has been reserved until the very end. And this holds great significance.

Just take the time to read it aloud to yourself, and you will surely see. It serves as a summation of the entire book as well, as if this book was intended to be exactly what it is - its own unique gestalt that has now been dreamily captured.

This is not something that I have fabricated, for I too have grappled with the search for meaning.

“Oh all to end.”

But there are still stirrings within.

This is the end of this particular part, but not the end of all.

The detailed review of this book that I have posted elsewhere under my name is far too lengthy to be presented here.

The above is its conclusion.
July 15,2025
... Show More

I really enjoyed this collection of stories. While I liked some more than others, overall it was a very interesting read. It was fascinating to see Beckett's work develop over a long period of time. One of my absolute favorites was the story "First Love." It had a unique charm and a captivating narrative that really drew me in. The way Beckett described the emotions and experiences in that story was truly remarkable. It made me feel as if I was right there with the characters, going through their journey of first love. I could easily imagine the scenes and the interactions between the characters. It was a story that stayed with me long after I finished reading it. I would highly recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys good literature and wants to explore the works of Beckett.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Samuel Beckett's works trace the "poverty" of existence that shrouds our vision. Through the "web" of meticulous prose with an artistic and thus, metaphysical unfolding. Solitude and resignation almost breathe due to the pages of his works, along with the dark, gloomy humor that is so well-known.

The author's view on human existence is predominantly nihilistic, like a path lacking purpose and finality. The anti-hero in each "narrative" participates in the inner drama, with his entire being, in a macabre, tragicomic dance of madness, while the "figures" are determined by their own experiences, emotions, "figures" that amuse themselves at the expense of the poor, maladjusted dancer.

Beckett's works offer a profound exploration of the human condition, delving into the depths of our fears, desires, and the absurdity of life. His writing style, with its spare language and minimalist approach, adds to the overall impact, making the reader confront the harsh realities of existence.

Whether it is through the characters' struggles or the underlying themes of meaninglessness and futility, Beckett forces us to question our own beliefs and values. His works continue to be relevant today, as we grapple with the challenges of a complex and often confusing world.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.