Book Review: Oh, To Be a Painter!
January 26, 2024
When freed from the restrictions of the long-form novel, Woolf’s writing seems to become much looser, more experimental and fun.
Known for his ability to gobble books at a breakneck pace, Jack has travelled the width and breadth of Scorpio’s shelves, yet he always finds himself returning to fiction. He loves fresh, snappy novels where the strange and sensual intersect with the thought provoking and topical. He is a particular champion of Pip Adam, Ali Smith and Rachel Cusk.
(Jack has left Scorpio for other adventures, but we still love his reviews.)
When freed from the restrictions of the long-form novel, Woolf’s writing seems to become much looser, more experimental and fun.
Dolly has a really special talent for finding unique but true aspects of relationships that aren’t really talked about…
An excellent choice for anyone who’s interested in learning more about the Palestine conflict, but is wary of too much emotional weight.
The writing is sharp, searing and sometimes bleak, but it’s all wrapped up in rich imagery that makes reading it so thoroughly irresistible.
A complex novel tracing a century of Vietnamese history, laden with elements of horror, folklore, family legacy, love and hate.
You could easily spend three lifetimes exploring the layers of meaning in Second Place, and to be honest, I’d quite like to!
Every so often, I find novels that don’t demand reading. Instead, I can simply let the magic wash over me – this was one such novel.
So Late in the Day reads as reverential and unhurried, yet so much is packed into this economical prose…
Reflections on correction and humanity come together beautifully in this impressionist portrait of a novel!
The depth and complexity of Siberian culture is showcased here in a rambling, adventurous journey through the ages of Siberian history.
Overall, a great novel that explores what it means to be human and how books themselves can influence our lives.
The first half reads like an excellent contemporary novel, and then it melts away into claustrophobic, bizarre magic.
It describes how unhealthy friendships in your formative years can leave you scarred and vulnerable, through the most unusual imagery.
Adrift in a post-quake Christchurch, 19-year-old Eddy is searching for a purpose: odd jobs are some of his attempts to make a life
SCORPIO BOOKS
Five Lane, The BNZ Centre
120 Hereford Street
Christchurch Central City
Ph: (03) 379 2882
TELLING TALES
Five Lanes, The BNZ Centre
101-111 Cashel St
Christchurch Central City
Ph: (03) 741 3309
FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CANTERBURY
($4 RURAL SURCHARGE)
FREE NZ SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $100