Wow. I'm quite surprised to find so many negative reactions to this book. Even though I felt that Robbins was trying a bit too hard in places, and the ending left a lot to be desired, I really enjoyed this book.
Of the characters, Kudra was my favorite. Maybe because she was Indian and her struggles struck a personal chord.
1. Jitterbug Perfume was originally published in 1984. How well does the book hold up more than 20 years later? Do you think people will still be reading it in another 20 years?
I think the book holds up very well today. I certainly enjoyed it, and it seemed like a timeless piece of writing to me.
2. What's your opinion of Robbins' writing style? Strengths and weaknesses?
He's too long-winded sometimes, and at places it seems like he's trying too hard to be clever, but most of the time, he IS clever. I particularly liked how he's able to bring in controversial subjects into the story and talk about them through his characters without going all preachy.
3. Robbins touches on potentially controversial subjects like sex, death, religion, and individualism. Did you find anything about the book objectionable?
Nope, absolutely not.
4. How do you feel about the characters?
I liked Kudra. I wanted to know what was happening with Alobar, but I agree that the characters could have been more fleshed out. I didn't really care about the rest.
5. Robbins relies heavily on humor; how successful are his attempts at being funny?
Not very. I've heard reviewers say they laughed out loud several times. I didn't laugh at all. Not once.
6. In an interview with January Magazine, Robbins says, "I think biographical information can get in the way of the reading experience. The interchange between the reader and the work. For example, I know far too much about Norman Mailer and Kurt Vonnegut. Because I know as much as I do about their personal lives, I can't read their work without this interjecting itself." Would you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Do you like to know a lot about the author of a book you're reading? Does the author's biography matter to you as a reader?
Yep, I agree. That's why I try never to find out about the authors I like to read. I don't want to know what assholes they are in their personal lives, because then I'd lose respect and not want to buy their books. So I base my judgments solely on the writing.
This was my first Tom Robbins' book, given to me by a friend. I'm pretty sure I'll be reading more.
Of the characters, Kudra was my favorite. Maybe because she was Indian and her struggles struck a personal chord.
1. Jitterbug Perfume was originally published in 1984. How well does the book hold up more than 20 years later? Do you think people will still be reading it in another 20 years?
I think the book holds up very well today. I certainly enjoyed it, and it seemed like a timeless piece of writing to me.
2. What's your opinion of Robbins' writing style? Strengths and weaknesses?
He's too long-winded sometimes, and at places it seems like he's trying too hard to be clever, but most of the time, he IS clever. I particularly liked how he's able to bring in controversial subjects into the story and talk about them through his characters without going all preachy.
3. Robbins touches on potentially controversial subjects like sex, death, religion, and individualism. Did you find anything about the book objectionable?
Nope, absolutely not.
4. How do you feel about the characters?
I liked Kudra. I wanted to know what was happening with Alobar, but I agree that the characters could have been more fleshed out. I didn't really care about the rest.
5. Robbins relies heavily on humor; how successful are his attempts at being funny?
Not very. I've heard reviewers say they laughed out loud several times. I didn't laugh at all. Not once.
6. In an interview with January Magazine, Robbins says, "I think biographical information can get in the way of the reading experience. The interchange between the reader and the work. For example, I know far too much about Norman Mailer and Kurt Vonnegut. Because I know as much as I do about their personal lives, I can't read their work without this interjecting itself." Would you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Do you like to know a lot about the author of a book you're reading? Does the author's biography matter to you as a reader?
Yep, I agree. That's why I try never to find out about the authors I like to read. I don't want to know what assholes they are in their personal lives, because then I'd lose respect and not want to buy their books. So I base my judgments solely on the writing.
This was my first Tom Robbins' book, given to me by a friend. I'm pretty sure I'll be reading more.
