pickI hesitate to mention A Man Called Ove, because there's less concrete plot pieces in common, more a vibe. Gil is a man who is slowly recovering from a bad break up, not the death of his wife, and he's less a crabby old guy than an independently wealthy middle-aged man trying to feel he's doing something worthwhile. 1/?
Robotswithpersonality 2/? His wealth and how people react to it is a topic discussed, but it's less the way the narrative is propelled (no poor-little-rich-boy angle), and more something of a convenient plot device. The story can focus on Gil meeting his neighbours and those he interacts with when volunteering because it's not focused on his need to have a job. 3d
Robotswithpersonality 3/? In a larger, busier book, maybe the story could be reframed to include him working for a living, but the intimate scale works, as does the motivation of Gil constantly looking to help. People's flaws and the ugly and random things that can happen are not shied away from, but there's a current of strength and warmth that I enjoyed. I like to think it's a well-written case for UBI. 3d
Robotswithpersonality 4/? What might we do if we had the time outside work? And furthermore how valuable a person's time and caring is, even above their ability to contribute funds. It's Gil taking an interest, taking action, that makes the biggest differences to his friends/found-family. While he's encountered people that want to use him for money, it's the people in his life currently that appreciate him so much more for what he does because he cares. 3d
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Robotswithpersonality 5/5 It's becoming very clear I am partial to any books that take time to speak about birds; there is at least one significant plot point involving them in this book, but I think any space made for idle appreciation of feathered friends improves my opinion of a book. 😊 There's a thinner thread of environmental awareness also wound through the book, I think the sentiment is best expressed by the bird passages. ⚠️ animal death, bullying (edited) 3d
Texreader Amazing review! 3d
Robotswithpersonality @Texreader Thanks! Hope you like it! 2d
so-so
