Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 99 votes)
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99 reviews
July 14,2025
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The original article might be a bit too concise or lacking in detail.

Weird in a bad way can mean something that is strange or unusual in a negative or off-putting sense.

For example, a person's behavior might be considered weird in a bad way if it is socially inappropriate or makes others feel uncomfortable.

Or, an object might have a strange appearance that is not aesthetically pleasing and could be described as weird in a bad way.

However, what is considered weird in a bad way can vary from person to person and culture to culture.

Some people might find something that others consider normal to be extremely weird, while others might embrace and even celebrate the unusual.

In conclusion, the concept of being weird in a bad way is subjective and can depend on a variety of factors.

It's important to be open-minded and respectful of others, even if their behavior or appearance seems strange to us.

After all, what makes someone or something weird might also be what makes them unique and interesting.
July 14,2025
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I guess it would be an insult to call it a more realistic version of what Gabriel Garcia Marquez would write. However, since de Berniere himself has said that Gabo was his inspiration while penning this book, it should be a fairly accurate description.

Berniere's dry and ironic narrative style is among my personal favorites. Here, though, he has endeavored to blend some magical realism in the vein of Marquez. Yet, his original style slightly undermines this attempt. The sum of all the components of this book doesn't quite add up. It doesn't do so rationally, as in Corelli's Mandolin, nor mystically, like in One Hundred Years of Solitude. Instead, it remains in a sort of middle ground. Nevertheless, it is still a gem in its own right.

Despite its flaws, the book has its own charm and allure. It offers a unique perspective and engages the reader in a way that few other books can. It may not be a perfect masterpiece, but it is definitely a worthy addition to any bookshelf.

July 14,2025
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Imaginative and fantastical, this work is sadly deeply rooted in the recent history of South America, possessing a certain magic. However, I didn't enjoy it to the same extent as his more recent book, The Dust That Falls from Dreams. The likely reason for this is that the cruelty of the South American dictatorships looms extremely large. What makes me ashamed to admit is that my own government has undoubtedly colluded with them. This aspect casts a long shadow over the entire narrative, perhaps making it a bit harder for me to fully embrace and lose myself in the story. It's a complex and somewhat uncomfortable read, but one that forces us to confront the harsh realities of history and the actions of those in power.

July 14,2025
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50 pages took me 20 days. It's insanely unreadable and laborious.

The whole thing is written like a riddle and every other sentence is completely about something else.

It's really frustrating to have to go through such a text.

I have to constantly try to make sense of it, but often I end up more confused.

The lack of clarity and coherence makes it a real struggle to understand the author's intended meaning.

I hope that in the future, such texts will be written more clearly and straightforwardly, so that readers don't have to waste so much time and effort on deciphering them.

July 14,2025
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I began my reading journey slowly. It took me a considerable amount of time to keep track of each person's storyline. However, after delving into a few chapters, I found myself completely immersed. I was able to undistractedly appreciate the absolute humour, wit, and detail that was contained within the intertwining lives of the characters.

It's quite remarkable how the author managed to create such a vivid and engaging world. The way the storylines intersect and interact adds an extra layer of depth and complexity.

Additionally, I believe this is my first induction into the genre of magical realism. And I must say, I greatly enjoyed the way it was written. The combination of the real and the magical elements was seamless, and it added a touch of mystery and wonder to the entire narrative.

Overall, I'm really enjoying this book, and I can't wait to see where the story takes me next.
July 14,2025
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I guess the comparisons to Gabriel Garcia Marquez are inevitable. However, let's face it, you could do a whole lot worse than being compared to that literary icon.

Although I have an absolute adoration for Garcia Marquez, de Bernieres has his own charm. He is more accessible, which makes his works easier for a wider range of readers to engage with. Moreover, he injects a healthy dose of humor into his amazing creations.

If I were given the opportunity to exist in any fictional world crafted by an author, without a doubt, it would be in this town that de Bernieres has brought to life.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and the rest of his trilogy is equally outstanding. It is brilliant, hilarious, brutally honest, and yes, even a bit vulgar at times. But that's what makes it so captivating. I am truly in love with this series.

It's a literary journey that I would encourage every book lover to embark on. You won't be disappointed.
July 14,2025
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I have a great fondness for Louis de Bernieres' writing. He has the remarkable ability to handle extremely difficult themes and make it seem effortless. This is truly the hallmark of an expert in his field. Somehow, he skillfully combines humor with deeply sad or violent situations.


And indeed, such situations are abundant in his work. The level of cruelty among men depicted in Louis' books is truly appalling. There is an overwhelming amount of graphic torture, violent deaths, rapes, and more, which is truly terrible.


Yet, despite all this, I still like his work. However, I usually give myself a significant amount of time before picking up another of his novels. (So far, I have read three of them.)


I will add just two more points here, not because they provide profound insights into L d B's work, but simply because I want to.


The first instance occurred when I was reading his description of a passionate sexual encounter between two characters. It had been building up, and when it finally exploded, I suddenly realized how Louis was playing with his literary tools. He painted the characters' personalities like coloring the faces of puppets, and then pulled their strings to make them dance to his tunes. I'm certain he takes great pleasure in bringing his creations to life.


Secondly, the title is excellent, but it has almost no direct connection to the story. Then again, what title could possibly encompass this particular tale? I'm not sure, just as I have no idea why overgrown cats play a prominent role in the plot. Some mysteries are just meant to remain unsolved.

July 14,2025
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This was quite possibly one of the most violent and strangest books I've ever read.

Over the years, I've delved into a vast number of strange and violent novels. However, this particular one stood out.

It was not only one of the most fascinating, clever, and enjoyable ones but also impossible to put down.

The cats in the story, especially General Fuerte and Aurelio, were just wonderful.

The narrative had a simply magical quality that kept me completely engaged from start to finish.

I'm eagerly anticipating getting lost in the next installment of this captivating series.

I can't wait to see what new adventures and surprises await me.

This book has truly left a lasting impression on me, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a unique and thrilling read.

July 14,2025
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Louis de Berniers is rapidly emerging as one of my all-time favorite authors.

This particular book offers a satirical perspective on a fictional Latin American nation and serves as the first magnificent installment of a trilogy. The subsequent two volumes are Senor Vivo and the Coca Lords, and The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman. Merely perusing the titles of his books fills me with eager anticipation.

Berniers has the remarkable ability to make you smile with his sly and witty humor, astonish you with the elements of magical realism, make you thoughtful and nostalgic through his beautiful prose, and yet make you squirm with horror as he nonchalantly describes the atrocities that people inflict upon one another when war and strife deeply penetrate their lives.

The unique style of writing, the engaging plot of the story, and the quirky yet deeply human characters all combine to make this an exceptional and must-read novel. It is a literary masterpiece that captivates the reader from start to finish and leaves a lasting impression.

July 14,2025
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I truly adored Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. However, this particular book, I didn't have the same affection for. The writing style was quite pleasant, although it tended to be a bit rambling at times. It actually reminded me a little of José Saramago.

The book began with great promise, but as it progressed, it started to become tiresome. It became evident that not much was actually happening. Many of the characters were seemingly abandoned halfway through, which was quite disappointing. Additionally, the satire in the book left something to be desired. It didn't quite hit the mark as effectively as I had hoped.

Moreover, it was rather difficult to follow, especially if you weren't really into it, which unfortunately, I wasn't. The story seemed to lack a clear direction and focus, making it a bit of a struggle to stay engaged from start to finish.
July 14,2025
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It seems to be an idiosyncrasy of novels set in Latin American countries that there must be: underlying or overt sexual yearning, gratuitous violence and miscommunications, duplicitous actions verging on the ridiculous, corrupt government and mystical events.

The penchant for the ridiculous seems to have been a standard set in Don Quixote and transferred to Latin America by a conquistador heritage and amplified by sexual yearning.

Whilst I have not read extensively on the Latin American theme, I can draw on the knowledge of Laura Esquivel's "Like Water for Chocolate", Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote" - given the colonial root - and Isabel Allende's "The House of the Spirits", which all carry similar themes.

I will read another Lois De Bernieres to clarify whether Hollywood sanitised my two other favourites: "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" and "Red Dog" and to bare whiteness to whether these two have continued the latent sexual tension and mystical connection or if it is in fact part of a genre that defines Latin America.

Perhaps the combination of these elements creates a unique and captivating literary landscape that has drawn readers from around the world. The sexual yearning adds a layer of passion and desire, while the violence and miscommunications create conflict and drama. The duplicitous actions and corrupt government provide a backdrop of political and social unrest, and the mystical events add an element of the supernatural and the unknown.

By exploring these themes in different works of literature, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Latin American culture and the human experience. Whether it is the love between Tita and Pedro in "Like Water for Chocolate" or the adventures of Don Quixote, these stories have the power to move us and make us think about the world we live in.
July 14,2025
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This book was truly intense.

The language employed within its pages was not only rich but also beautifully crafted, painting a vivid picture of the lush and enchanting jungle.

However, it wasn't all beauty and wonder. The story also delved into the realm of cruelty, presenting aspects that were difficult to stomach.

It served as a window, allowing us to peek into the pitfalls of power and the destructive nature of humans.

Thankfully, the author's use of humor was a saving grace. It helped me navigate through the more challenging and disturbing parts with relative ease.

The humor added a lighthearted touch to an otherwise沉重的 narrative, making it more bearable and even enjoyable at times.

Overall, this book was a complex and engaging read that left a lasting impression on me.
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