A collection of snippets, some stories, some just descriptions without evident story arc. Some characters vaguely echoed in other bits. Sort of a precise impressionism.
Very good. The second last one had a more conventional arc, with a satisfying ending. Probably even more satisfying because so rare. Most never arrived at the ending by the time they finished. ( )

A collection of snippets, some stories, some just descriptions without evident story arc. Some characters vaguely echoed in other bits. Sort of a precise impressionism.
Very good. The second last one had a more conventional arc, with a satisfying ending. Probably even more satisfying because so rare. Most never arrived at the ending by the time they finished. ( )

"I think it is best to start with the publisher's description, because if I had been handed this book without recommendation or any idea what to expect, I would have been quite confused.

One thing that is odd now that I think about it, is that there were no physical descriptions of appearances. I didn't even find myself wanting them. What I did find myself wanting was a name or a specific trait to classify them (purely to remember them by).

The tales are certainly not linear and to be honest, the themes of war and migration didn't jump out at me. Although I think this is to the book's credit; the themes and ideas portrayed aren't shoved down your throat by repetition.

The book left me with a sense of wanting to know more. I felt, unfulfilled because there were a number of characters I would love to know the whole story for. However, despite wanting more, I think that the book was a good length and snapshot just as it was. Anything lengthier in the same format and with the same narrative structure would have started to grate on my nerves. I would have become frustrated that none of my questions or wants were fulfilled. So yes, the story left me wanting more details and information about the events, but it was satisfying in itself. Hard to describe!

Read my full review on my blog: http://www.monniblog.com/2010/03/8-x-10-by-michael-turner/" ( )

A collection of snippets, some stories, some just descriptions without evident story arc. Some characters vaguely echoed in other bits. Sort of a precise impressionism.Very good. The second last one had a more conventional arc, with a satisfying ending. Probably even more satisfying because so rare. Most never arrived at the ending by the time they finished. ( )

Odd snapshots into the lives of unknown characters from unknown parts of the world, often dealing with war or post-war time issues. Sometimes overlapping, many stories share similar imagery and/or characters, as obviously evidenced by the 'seven tree lined ridges' mentioned in multiple vignettes.

I will not pretend to have understood most of what I was reading, but will admit that it all might have just been over my feeble-minded head. This would not be the first book of short stories that left me perplexed and feeling inept. In any case, I think that another reading would be in order to piece together this puzzle and possibly have a better understanding for what it is Michael Turner has done.