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Read advance reader review of Cheating at Canasta by William Trevor, page 2 of 3

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Cheating at Canasta: Stories by William Trevor

Cheating at Canasta: Stories

Stories

by William Trevor
  • BookBrowse Review:
  • Critics' Consensus (11):
  • Readers' Rating (20):
  • First Published:
  • Oct 18, 2007, 240 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Sep 2008, 240 pages
  • Rate this book

About This Book

Reviews


Page 2 of 3
There are currently 16 member reviews
for Cheating at Canasta
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  • Marion (Peabody MA)
    Cheating at Canasta
    What a delightful read of twelve different short stories of human reactions in early Irish settings. Trevor, a prolific author writes succinct prose that allows the reader to imagine other endings to each story. Cheating at Canasta is just that--cheating at canasta to let the impaired partner participate in life and win. Captivating.
  • Renee (Bristol RI)
    A GOOD READ
    Trevors' new book is magnetic, his vocabulary is refreshing on both an intellectual and descriptive level. His characters are vibrant and compelling, each with their own nuances and insights. I did not enjoy "At Olivehill". The suspense was overdone and boring. As a whole, Trevor has done it! Powerful and unique.
  • Lisa (Beacon Falls CT)
    Cheating at Canasta
    "Cheating at Canasta" is an excellent portrayal of the lackluster life of the ordinary man. His use of human emotions in each of the main characters is poignant. They run the gamut of guilt to grief. He leaves the reader hoping for more for each one of them. A great read; fodder for discussion.
  • Darcy (Grand Rapids MI)
    Cheating at Canasta
    I haven't read all the stories yet but most of them I have and have enjoyed each one. They are very thought-provoking and would make excellent book club discussions. I felt I really got to know the characters in those few short pages and was sorry to see the stories end.
  • Theresa (Sierra Madre CA)
    A Nice Surprise
    I am not usually a big fan of short stories, but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Trevor's style of writing is easy to read and very enjoyable. I am going to have to read some of his other work.
  • John (Garland TX)
    Enjoyable reading
    I have not previously read any of William Trevor's works, nor do I normally enjoy short stories. Trevor's writing is intelligent and thought provoking. Many of the stories make you wish that they had been expanded upon in the form of a novel. They leave you wanting more.
  • Elyse (Creswell OR)
    Beautiful Prose
    Short stories are not usually my cup of tea, and after reading the first two in this book, I thought maybe this wasn't the book for me.

    But as I read on, I changed my mind. The prose alone are enough reason to read it - the writing just flows beautifully. The author paints you a picture of place and time, and does a good job of showing who his characters are.

    Most of the stories are more vignettes - no beginning and no end. Sort of a "slice of life". All of them leave you thinking.

    This is not a book for someone who wants a simple plot, with a definite beginning, a predictable center and a satisfying ending. This is for the reader who prefers to savor each word, and think about what he or she just read when the book has been put down.
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