From acclaimed author Jon Courtenay Grimwood comes an exotic new novel that defies expectation at every turn. A mystery, a thriller, and a cutting-...
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Aug 12, 2011
I've never read anything by David Lynch before and after having read the reviews on the book I thought that this would be something i'd enjoy.
I found the story bizarrely random and often wondered whether the author was on something when writing this novel.
The three main storylines weaved into each so much I found it rather hard to follow what was happening, who the characters were and what on earth was happening!
After wondering whether it was worth continuing with or not, i'm glad I did. Finally More...
I found the story bizarrely random and often wondered whether the author was on something when writing this novel.
The three main storylines weaved into each so much I found it rather hard to follow what was happening, who the characters were and what on earth was happening!
After wondering whether it was worth continuing with or not, i'm glad I did. Finally More...
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Dec 28, 2008
Shibbie
rated it: 
I read this because my friend Brian wants to write a science fiction movie and after talking to him about some preliminary ideas I realized I haven't read any good (or any period) science fiction books in a while. My library devotes all of two shelves to mostly hardcover science fiction and I am biased towards paperback. So I picked this one up mainly based on the fact that it was in paperback and partly based on the fact that it held promises (unfulfilled) of involving punks. Basically has t
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Jun 25, 2011
Jason
rated it: 
2.5 Stars
Some very intriguing science fiction elements are diluted over a long and somewhat tedious read. Like other Grimwood novels this book requires a patient and dedicated reader. His novels are often times difficult, confusing, and tough to discern or describe. They also offer a great payoff of unique, intelligent, and thought provoking material to the reader with the will to move on and push through the parts that try to stifle them.
Three time-lines all inter-twin More...
Some very intriguing science fiction elements are diluted over a long and somewhat tedious read. Like other Grimwood novels this book requires a patient and dedicated reader. His novels are often times difficult, confusing, and tough to discern or describe. They also offer a great payoff of unique, intelligent, and thought provoking material to the reader with the will to move on and push through the parts that try to stifle them.
Three time-lines all inter-twin More...
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Jan 12, 2009
Psychophant
rated it:
One third of this book is mostly standard thriller best-seller fare, maybe with a slightly liberal slant. Including the fast and sexy fictional life of the people in power. This interested me only marginally.
Another third is a series of flash-backs on the life of a poor mixed race Moroccan boy and his friends and enemies. This one is well done and at times even moving, though the punchlines (there are a couple) were telegraphed away.
The last third is in a galaxy far far a More...
Another third is a series of flash-backs on the life of a poor mixed race Moroccan boy and his friends and enemies. This one is well done and at times even moving, though the punchlines (there are a couple) were telegraphed away.
The last third is in a galaxy far far a More...
Oct 21, 2007
http://www.livejournal.com/users/nhw/307... this on Monday night, so it just about counts as my last book of last month. I wasn't overwhelmed by RedRobe, but really very much enjoyed Pashazade, Felaheen and Effendi, Grimwood's trilogy set in an alternate history (but very contemporary) Alexandria where the German and Ottoman empires never fell. This latest combines present day US/western Mediterranean political interactions, a far future empire of two thousand worlds, a near future Chinese space
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Mar 07, 2011
Chanpheng
rated it:
A book that takes place over several time tracks, Stamping Butterflies is intriguing. How do they all combine? The first pages are confusing, then it starts to get more clear. I like Grimwood's rendering of the setting and social structure of Morocco. The future world is a translation of the social inequalities transplanted to another realm.
The last twenty pages don't live up to the promise. Otherwise, it would have been a 5-star book.
The last twenty pages don't live up to the promise. Otherwise, it would have been a 5-star book.
Aug 20, 2011
Neil
rated it: 
Three separate stories in three different times; one in 70s Marrakech another in the 21st century and the last in the far flung future in another part of the galaxy. It takes a long time for the dots to connect but each story is so engaging it doesn't really matter (although it ends up being the icing on teh cake when they do connect). The kind of book you'd expect David Lynch to write and a must for out there non-linear sci-fi fans.
May 29, 2010
Ben
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jan 31, 2011
xdroot
rated it: 
the plot is set in 3 timelines that run parallel to each other for most of the book. more difficult than the arabesk series and darker. but the author is at home in describing life in north africa. quite evocative.
Aug 31, 2010
Maria
rated it:
I really enjoyed the Arabesk trilogy but didn't enjoy this as much. I did like how it blended 3 different types of stories in one book although at times it felt disjointed.
Sep 28, 2009
GillyP
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Oct 30, 2007
Mary
rated it:
Even now, I'm not sure whether I enjoyed this or not. The characters are compelling, the plot is intriguing, the twists are incredibly twisty indeed, but there was something vaguely unsatisfying about the conclusion. All of the threads tied together, but... I suppose just not in the way that I wanted them to, or expected them to.
Still, if you're into time travel, quantum theory, or anything like that, give it a whirl. It might appeal to you.
Still, if you're into time travel, quantum theory, or anything like that, give it a whirl. It might appeal to you.
Dec 16, 2009
Patjones
rated it:
While a layman's understanding of string theory can help enhance the impact of some moments in Stamping Butterflies, it is hardly necessary to enjoy the book. Jon Courtenay Grimwood paints compelling characters on a canvas of quantum foam and spherical time. His detailed descriptions of the worlds and cities his characters inhabit create photo-realistic mental images a ready will carry long after the book is closed.
Dec 27, 2009
Matt
rated it:
Interesting (sort-of) time travel yarn.
Jon writes great characters ... the parts of the book that focus on Moz and Jake Razor are really strong.
I struggled to maintain interest a bit towards the end of the book as the focus "pulled back" to the bigger picture (and only the continuing unfolding of the more human stories that open the book kept me going).
Jon writes great characters ... the parts of the book that focus on Moz and Jake Razor are really strong.
I struggled to maintain interest a bit towards the end of the book as the focus "pulled back" to the bigger picture (and only the continuing unfolding of the more human stories that open the book kept me going).
Mar 21, 2009
Trip
rated it:
This is very definitely by the same person who wrote End of the World Blues.
Oct 02, 2008
Aaron
rated it: 
I still don't really understand this book. I understand that there is a time continuum but the way the author tries to weave the story is extremely confusing for me...it didn't work.
Sep 18, 2008
Danielle
rated it:
Half-way through the book I realized I didn't give a shit about a single character. So I stopped wasting my time.
Oct 27, 2007
Martinxo
rated it:
I enjoyed the other book I read by Grimwood but I struggled with this and abandoned the work at page 87
Feb 08, 2012
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