I wrote 2 things in my review of ToF in July which I think I should say again! I said that I wouldn’t recommend ToF if you’ve never read Piñeiro before, that to enjoy it I think you need to distinctly understand how she approaches writing and telling stories. Bc this was your first Piñeiro, I can completely appreciate how it was not enjoyed by you. I would honestly direct you to ‘A Little Luck’ as a try again with her. I think you would enjoy that a lot more & could be a good opportunity to give Piñeiro another go! The ‘chorus’ in ToF is distinctly different for her - it’s nothing like her other books. So as someone who’s read all her work that’s been translated into English, I found it exciting to see her try a new form. But, that enjoyment obvs comes from previous knowledge and understanding of her work!
The second is that ToF is a sequel to another book, a book which details Ines crime & gives alot of back story. When I finished ToF and I had a lot of unanswered questions, and then learnt this was a sequel, it made a lot of sense! Charco did a loss not reprinting them together imo. All of this to say - I don’t think it’s her strongest but I think you should give her another chance!
Thanks for the context, Martha! I didn't realize it was a sequel. Your recommendation is all I need to try her again! I will keep an eye out for A Little Luck, and may also take a look at Elena Knows.
Chiming in to say I agree with Martha AND I really liked the first book (I think Martha's review is what tipped me off that it was a sequel). Haven't read A Little Luck but I plan to get to it after Time of the Flies. My favorite of hers is Betty Boo but will keep all this in mind as I read ToftF
GIFs on point today 🫡 looking forward to trying a different Pinero soon - I feel somewhat the same way about Tokarczuk, I started with one that just might not have been my favorite and want to try a different one
Thank you, my friend! Yes, Olga can be tough. I started with Drive Your Plow and thought it was great, but have since read Flights and The Book of Jacob and had mixed feelings about those. Still, I got her new one immediately, but am unsure when I will read it.
Of course I want to know the twist ending. But am ambivalent about reading Time of the Flies. Sigh!
Thanks, Susan! The premise was so intriguing. And the twist even more so. But the structure kept taking me out of it.
I really enjoy your reviews. Thank you
Thank you so much for the kind words, Susan!
I will skip this, but the premise was interesting. Sorry it did not live up to its promise. Have a great Sunday!
Thanks, Kate! We're heading to a big sale at the neighborhood bookstore and then we're watching the Liberty, so its looking like a good Sunday!
Hope you and Donna get a Liberty win! This is a great time to be a New York sports fan, but all these games have eaten into my reading time!
New York sports are back!!
I wrote 2 things in my review of ToF in July which I think I should say again! I said that I wouldn’t recommend ToF if you’ve never read Piñeiro before, that to enjoy it I think you need to distinctly understand how she approaches writing and telling stories. Bc this was your first Piñeiro, I can completely appreciate how it was not enjoyed by you. I would honestly direct you to ‘A Little Luck’ as a try again with her. I think you would enjoy that a lot more & could be a good opportunity to give Piñeiro another go! The ‘chorus’ in ToF is distinctly different for her - it’s nothing like her other books. So as someone who’s read all her work that’s been translated into English, I found it exciting to see her try a new form. But, that enjoyment obvs comes from previous knowledge and understanding of her work!
The second is that ToF is a sequel to another book, a book which details Ines crime & gives alot of back story. When I finished ToF and I had a lot of unanswered questions, and then learnt this was a sequel, it made a lot of sense! Charco did a loss not reprinting them together imo. All of this to say - I don’t think it’s her strongest but I think you should give her another chance!
Thanks for the context, Martha! I didn't realize it was a sequel. Your recommendation is all I need to try her again! I will keep an eye out for A Little Luck, and may also take a look at Elena Knows.
Chiming in to say I agree with Martha AND I really liked the first book (I think Martha's review is what tipped me off that it was a sequel). Haven't read A Little Luck but I plan to get to it after Time of the Flies. My favorite of hers is Betty Boo but will keep all this in mind as I read ToftF
Thanks, Ariana! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
I will probably not read this but thoroughly enjoyed reading your review and getting a little peak into this writer and her work!
Thanks, Renee! Glad you enjoyed the review!
GIFs on point today 🫡 looking forward to trying a different Pinero soon - I feel somewhat the same way about Tokarczuk, I started with one that just might not have been my favorite and want to try a different one
Thank you, my friend! Yes, Olga can be tough. I started with Drive Your Plow and thought it was great, but have since read Flights and The Book of Jacob and had mixed feelings about those. Still, I got her new one immediately, but am unsure when I will read it.
I loved Drive Your Plow so much but gave up halfway through Jacob. Sigh.
Gifs are absolutely on point in this one. Thanks for the shout, friend!
Thank YOU, friend!