Falling to Earth: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Searching
Review: I can see where the previous reviewers had problems with Brownrigg's style. It could've definitely been elaborated upon in places, but I found her magical-realism style rather invigorating. The book of entwined stories, for me, was about trying to let go and find one's creative self again, as well as finding love. It reminded me in places of Persimmon Blackbridge's "Prozac Highway" and Erika Lopez's "Flaming Iguanas".

Rating:
Summary: Didn't explore symbols; can't write--is NOT J. Winterson!
Review: Not half as good as it should have been. The comparison to Jeanette Winterson was based solely on the fantastical ideas and symbols she had going (angels, &c.) but had none of the prose that makes Winterson great! This was straight plot. Winterson's excellence is not only her fuzzy line between metaphor and reality, but that her prose is rich with metaphor, is so flowing and beautiful. This had no beauty; it was just hacked-out plot. There was so much symbolic potential, none of which was explored. I'm very disappointed. Also, the whole issue of lesbianism was treated rather oddly--it didn't add anything to the book--nor did it detract, but it seemed like just a gimmick.

Rating:
Summary: Didn't explore symbols; can't write--is NOT J. Winterson!
Review: Not half as good as it should have been. The comparison to Jeanette Winterson was based solely on the fantastical ideas and symbols she had going (angels, &c.) but had none of the prose that makes Winterson great! This was straight plot. Winterson's excellence is not only her fuzzy line between metaphor and reality, but that her prose is rich with metaphor, is so flowing and beautiful. This had no beauty; it was just hacked-out plot. There was so much symbolic potential, none of which was explored. I'm very disappointed. Also, the whole issue of lesbianism was treated rather oddly--it didn't add anything to the book--nor did it detract, but it seemed like just a gimmick.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful novel!
Review: Wonderful novel! The intertwined stories kept me from putting the book down. My favorite characters were the artist who made scenes in boxes, and the working class millworker but the entire novel is full of surprises and thoroughly entertaining.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful novel!
Review: Wonderful novel! The intertwined stories kept me from putting the book down. My favorite characters were the artist who made scenes in boxes, and the working class millworker but the entire novel is full of surprises and thoroughly entertaining.