Title: Certainly expected more Review: I really expected more from Coetzee, whom I had never read before picking up this book. I saw after finishing the book that it was originally published as separate stories or vignettes, and I'm not surprised. The title character spends all of her time giving speeches, which is strange for a novel--you think you will get a plot, but you just get lectured to. The writing is good, spare and cogent, but the book does not hang together well enough to be a novel, in my opinion. The best chapter, which is the last, has little or nothing to do with the prior chapters. Is the review positive or negative?
Negative
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Title: disappointed-parents beware Review: Since this book was written by the same author as Anne of Green Gables, I was expecting a delightful and heartwarming story. Instead I received a series that has given my children nightmares. Emily's mother is dead, but keeps appearing to her and beckoning her at times. Emily is beaten by a mean schoolmaster, leading to her father's dismissal from his job and their move to a new location. Her father has an accident and dies, leaving Emily at the mercy of her "mean" relatives. Her mother and father both "magically" visit with her now. I have only viewed the first two episodes, so hopefully they get better, but I sure do wish I had previewed these before I allowed my children (ages 11-14) to view them. I was very disappointed with this purchase and would not recommend it to others. Is the review positive or negative?
Negative
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Title: Good light reading! Review: This book must have been written around 1900. Recipes still call for one to 'cook over the fire', quantities for many ingredients are approximate. Detailed instructions for tricky methods are not included. Many standard South African recipes are not to be found.Recipes are listed alphabetically, not in categories. There is no table of contents at the front, however there is an alphabetical index at the back and a category index.There are no photos or pictures. For someone unfamiliar with South African cooking, this is not a good book. If you're looking for a good laugh, get this book. If you're looking for a good book on South African cooking, try and find Cook and Enjoy it by SJA de Villiers. Is the review positive or negative?
Negative
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Title: Seat Cover Review: Do not buy one of those cheap $14 covers! I did and it lasted about 3 weeks before it tore. The Solvit cover is much better material and design. Is the review positive or negative?
