randy’s Reviews > Map of the Invisible World > Status Update
randy
is on page 192 of 400
Much better in story than the harmony silk factory. And lyrically beautiful. But Aw simply lets his characterization slumber. I really want to adore this, but the best character, Neng, disappeared only after 20ish pages. Still quite good and impressively audacious. When Aw gets character he will be a literary juggernaut. I'm eagerly awaiting that day.
— May 28, 2012 01:44AM
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randy’s Previous Updates
randy
is on page 267 of 400
It is hard not to be completely smitten on this book w/ passages such as this: Sometimes the rain clouds that gathered in the afternoon refused to break and the skies stayed dark and cobalt-colored, and the day turned into a long purple dusk that hastened the arrival of darkness. Living in SE Asia, I know this too well & this is easily the best description of it I've ever come across. Aw is winning me over w/ this.
— May 30, 2012 02:43AM
randy
is on page 27 of 400
Like with The Harmony Silk Factory, he beguiles you with his craft, but you stand staring at his plot and characters like you would at a dud firework, waiting, expecting, for it to go off.
— May 24, 2012 02:09AM
randy
is on page 27 of 400
Not even a 10th into this & I feel like I keep falling down a well where 1 brings up tremendously written sentences rather than water. Aw's skill at creating a sentence is a marvel to behold. I only wish the same could be said for his creation of characters.
— May 24, 2012 02:08AM
