A Wild Ride Through the 90s - A Memoir That'll Leave You Breathless

A Memoir That Left Me Breathless and Heartbroken - A Wild Ride Through the 90s

summarizeEditor's Summary

I just finished reading this memoir and I'm still reeling from the experience. It's a wild ride through the 90s that'll leave you breathless and heartbroken. The author's writing style is engaging, but it's not for everyone. If you're looking for a book that'll make you feel all the feels, then this is the one for you. I gotta say, the nostalgia is real and the emotional ups and downs will keep you hooked. It's not a quick read, but trust me, it's worth the investment.

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Kararİyi

HikayeKalitesi8/10

HikayeGelişimi7/10

YazarınTasarımı9/10

Hello everyone!

Yuri Karakur Farfor I just finished reading a memoir that's left me feeling all the feels - it's a real trip back to the 90s.

Book Title: Farfor

Author: Yuri Karakur

Publisher: Ast

Age Restriction: 18+

Storyline.

Farfor's not your average memoir - it's more like a collection of the author's childhood memories and autobiographical notes. The story's divided into three parts, each one taking you on a different journey.

First up, we've got the memories related to Yuri's paternal grandmother, Galina Sáfaronova. This part's the most uplifting and humorous, despite all the mentions of deaths and illnesses. You'll find plenty of stories about the neighbors and the grandmother's acquaintances - it's like you're right there with them.

The second part deals with Yuri's trips to his maternal grandmother, Alexandra Nikolaevna, and the memories associated with her. This section's more melancholic, and it's clear the author's trying to convey a sense of loss.

The third part's all about Yuri's nostalgia for his childhood as he grows up. It's bittersweet, and you can't help but feel a pang of sadness.

My Take on the Book.

So, what did I like about it? The author does an amazing job of transporting you back to the past. He doesn't go into too much detail, but a few words are enough to make you feel like you're waking up with Yuri in his grandmother's apartment in June, with the whole summer stretching out ahead of you. It's both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

I'd wake up with a sense that I'd soon discover everything, and only three hours of daylight would be left, so much ahead of me, and I'd head to the kitchen.

I appreciated the unique way the author tells the story. It's like he's stringing words together like beads on a string, and each word brings up a memory, which inevitably leads to another, creating a whole narrative. As the author himself admits, there's no end to this story, since life just keeps going:

And how can you end it when there's no end to it?

The book's a raw, honest portrayal of life as it is - the poverty, the lack of money, the dependencies, and mental health issues. It's both captivating and uncomfortable at times.

She still shone for a while, but on the day of the Soviet Army, the man started drinking again, and Vera stopped going to the dacha, stopped inviting friends over.

Despite all this, the characters continue to find joy in simple things and maintain a warm spirit. You'll encounter some strong language, which might not be to everyone's taste, but I'm okay with it.

The author handles the moment of Yuri's growing up and his inevitable distance from his grandmother with great sensitivity. It's heartbreaking to see them not talk about everything under the sun and eventually stop talking altogether. When Yuri becomes an adult and has so many questions for his grandmother, which might have helped him understand his life better, it's too late. This is a very poignant and relatable moment.

First to go were the bedtime conversations. We'd turn off the light and drift off to sleep, exchanging sleepy words, but it eventually became boring.

The only thing that didn't sit well with me was the theme of Yuri's same-sex attractions. The author handles it tastefully, mostly with hints, but it still caught me off guard. I understand the author's intention to be honest and authentic, but it didn't quite fit with the rest of the book.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's a great mix of humor, sadness, and nostalgia. If you grew up in the 90s, this book will definitely take you back to those carefree days.

Check out my reviews of other books here.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is this book suitable for readers who prefer lighter fare?

No, this book deals with some heavy themes and has a dramatic writing style, so it's not suitable for readers who prefer lighter fare. However, if you're looking for a book that'll make you feel all the feels, then this is the one for you.

What's the book about?

The book is a memoir that takes you on a wild ride through the 90s, exploring themes of same-sex love, nostalgia, and emotional ups and downs.

Is the book well-researched?

Yes, the book is well-researched and accurately portrays life in the 90s, with vivid descriptions of the era that feel spot on.

Are the characters well-developed?

Yes, the characters are well-developed and complex, making it easy to become invested in their lives and the story.

Is the book a quick read?

No, the book is a bit on the longer side, so it'll take some time to get through it. However, the engaging writing style and immersive narrative make it worth the investment.

What's the author's writing style like?

The author's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story. However, it can be a bit overly dramatic at times, which might be off-putting for some readers.

Is the book suitable for readers who prefer books with happy endings?

No, the book deals with some heavy themes and has a dramatic writing style, so it's not suitable for readers who prefer books with happy endings.

What's the book's sense of place like?

The book has a strong sense of place, with vivid descriptions of life in the 90s that feel spot on.

check_circlePros

•The author's writing style is super engaging and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story.
•The book is full of nostalgia, taking you back to the 90s in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
•The author tackles tough themes like same-sex love with sensitivity and honesty.
•The story is well-paced, with a narrative that flows smoothly from start to finish.
•The characters are well-developed and complex, making it easy to become invested in their lives.
•The book has a strong sense of place, with vivid descriptions of life in the 90s that feel spot on.
•The author's use of language is beautiful and evocative, making it easy to visualize the world they're describing.
•The book explores some really important themes, like identity and community, in a way that feels authentic and relatable.

cancelCons

•The book deals with some heavy themes, including same-sex love, which might be triggering for some readers.
•The author's writing style can be a bit overly dramatic at times, which might be off-putting for some readers.
•The book is a bit on the longer side, which might be a turn-off for readers who prefer shorter books.
•Some of the supporting characters feel a bit one-dimensional at times, which can be a bit frustrating.
•The book doesn't shy away from some pretty dark themes, which might be a bit too much for some readers.
•The ending feels a bit abrupt, which might leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.