L.S. Popovich's Blog, page 10

Review of At the Sign of the Reine Pedauque by Anatole France

Another strange and mesmerizing book by one of my favorite Nobel laureate authors. As in Thais, the author layers a sometimes straightforward tale with religious and occult themes. Here we have a young main character who is tasked with aiding in a translation of Zosimus and other obscure authors for an alchemist’s researches. The discussion […]

Review of The Complete Cosmicomics by by Italo Calvino

A collection of more than 30 stories by one of the masters of Italian literature. The germs for other works are present in this collection, including Invisible Cities and Castle of Crossed Destinies. The most interesting and delightful tales are toward the beginning in my opinion. As the collection wore on, it veered into more […]

Review of Maison Ikkoku Collector’s Edition, Vol. 1 by Rumiko Takahashi

This adorable sitcomic comedy by the inimitable Rumiko made for diverting reading. I will be continuing with the series. While lacking in supernatural elements, I was at once taken by the cozy atmosphere. Most of the scenes take place in the eccentrically populated titular rooming house, where the quintessential collegial ronin has ensconced himself amid […]

Review of The Explosion of a Chandelier by by Damian Murphy

In this swiftly paced adventure, D. M. marries a clarity of expression with a depth and ambiguity of subtexts.  You feel a current running beneath the surface narrative of dark forces astir. Hector and Vito epitomize the thrill of youth’s longing after dramatic distractions as they encounter with some uncertainty the consequences of their haphazard […]

Review of The Plotinus by Rikki Ducornet

If Rikki keeps releasing short experimental, post-Consumerist dystopian novellas, steeped in imagery that evokes nostalgic aesthetics, I will keep rating them 5 stars.  A nice accompaniment to Trafik. Highly recommended, though this one is a bit weird. Imagine a person imprisoned in a monotone cell, reading bars of light through a vent and knocking at […]

Review of Fables by Alexander Theroux

A few good and shiny examples of rare Theroux wit.  But mostly not. I say rare because his humor is an acquired taste, and it can also spoil after a time. The Therouxian works released by Tough Poets Press are glorious in theory but do not compare to the author’s two or three magnificent “early” […]

Review of On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

This book is heavy on the PTSD, bullying, and other trauma triggers.  I try to shy away from reading peoples’ accounts of living in an unfair world. It’s not all about blaming the world for our individual struggles. However, there is legitimate pain that goes along with it. And you can feel more of it […]

Review of Suggestion Diabolique, by David Vardeman

Having read all of Vardeman, I can’t help wanting more Vardeman. Remember that character from As I Lay Dying who says “My mother is a fish.” Isn’t that kid named Vardaman? >Coincidence? I think not.Vardeman observes and portrays American life in an acerbic, quirky style. This volume of stories in particular is heavy on the […]

Review of Solarium by Braden Matthew

Sui generis. Books about bibliophiles ring too true for me. I dream of books, bathe in books, eat books without condiments, I drink books black, without cream sugar or a wedge of lemon, I take them straight, not watered down. I burn only abridged editions. I store books in my car, my shoes, my closet, […]

Review of The End of August by Yū Miri

Does in 700 pages what can be done in 120 pages. Ceaseless repetition, much of which is in Korean. Songs and prayers and onomatopoeia constantly invoked. The rhythm reminded me of Ducks, Newburyport, which I hated. -5 stars for abusing the reader’s time and patience. +2 stars for strong descriptions interspersed throughout the book. +2 […]