[Subdue] Things in Jars by Jess Kidd 3 stars

[Charlotte]

Things in Jars by Jess Kidd
3 stars

I don't know why I keep trying to read print/kindle versions of magical realism. I struggle so much. I enjoy the stories, I enjoy the usage of words, I enjoy them but it such a slog for me to read. Thank goodness for audio. From now on, if I see a book is realism or magical realism and everyone loves it, then audio it is for me. Alice Hoffman seems to be the exception to this.

Anyway.. back to Things in Jars. Wow. I just finished and am wavering back and forth between 3 and 4 stars. So depending on when you read this, it may have either rating. I struggled through the flashbacks featuring Gideon. Even after I switched from the print version to the audio, I struggled to stay up with the story, which is part of the reason I'm leaning towards 3 stars. In trying to have surprises and twists, the author left clues but it was a struggle at times.

I did enjoy the story and I really enjoyed the character Bridie. I enjoyed the boxer character (his name is escaping me at the moment) but I was sure I understood the point of him entirely.

I'm going to have to think about this one a bit more. Not sure if I would recommend it to anyone unless they were a big fan of magical realism.

[Amy]

I picked this one up a few years ago and just couldn't get into it. People say its worth the wait if you stick it out, although I couldn't. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Jen K]

Great review! Also gave this one a 3. I liked the characters but it was an odd story.

Have you read any others of her? Do you know if this one is representative of her work? I'm always intrigued by the blurbs.

[Charlotte]

I haven’t read anything else by her. I’m not sure I would unless I heard good things or my book twins enjoyed it.

[Booknblues]

I read Himself and loved it, but haven't jumped on the others.