continental drift
- June 7, 2019
- cecile richard
Get on itch.io StoreA semi-autobiographical game about moving.
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Reviews
- The novel offers a profound exploration of the American Dream, showcasing the struggles of its characters in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.
- Russell Banks' writing is beautifully crafted, with vivid descriptions and deep character development that draw readers into the emotional journeys of Bob Dubois and Vanise Dorsinville.
- The intertwining stories of the two protagonists provide a powerful commentary on social class and the harsh realities faced by immigrants, making it a relevant and impactful read.
- Many readers found the characters to be unlikable and the overall tone of the novel to be overwhelmingly bleak and depressing.
- The portrayal of female characters has been criticized as two-dimensional, lacking depth and complexity compared to their male counterparts.
- Some reviewers noted that the pacing of the novel can be slow, with excessive detail that detracts from the overall narrative and makes it a challenging read.
- story74 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story is a poignant exploration of two parallel narratives: Bob Dubois, a working-class man from New Hampshire, and Vanise Dorsonville, a Haitian immigrant seeking a better life in America. While the writing is praised for its vivid detail and emotional depth, many reviewers found the overall tone to be bleak and the character development lacking, leading to mixed feelings about engagement with the plot. The intertwining of their struggles highlights themes of the American dream and the harsh realities of life, though some readers felt the narrative's pacing and emotional weight made it challenging to connect with the characters.
“Banks's fine ear for dialogue and unflinching examination of the dark side of the American dream create characters and plot developments that ring all too true.”
“A fine, beautifully written, intricate story with a Homeric narrator and scope.”
“The story of Bob Dubois is such a prototypical American story that it is hard, though he is far from what would be considered a 'heroic' character, to not relate to him on at least some level.”
“Beautiful and vividly written prose in service of a terrible story.”
“I just couldn't get interested in the story of these people, and without that, a book is flat.”
“This novel, following the pathetic Bob Dubois, never picks up steam, and I always had difficulty feeling any empathy for the main characters of the story - in the end, I was simply glad it was over.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the book is characterized by its exploration of complex characters facing profound struggles, including heartbreak, moral ambiguity, and the challenges of migration. While the narrative presents a deeply moving journey through the protagonists' chaotic lives, some readers feel that the overt moral lessons detract from its emotional impact. Overall, the story effectively captures the raw emotions of frustration, despair, and resilience.
“After 300 pages, the two characters' paths cross - finally and fatefully - in a heartbreaking climax. The author does a good job of presenting the American experience and describing his rages and frustrations as he tries to cope with his chaotic life.”
“And there is the examination of a life that seems to be going down, emotionally and economically, in a way that is irredeemable.”
“The protagonist is a grown-up who, like a child, can't tell right from wrong, heaven from hell - but, deep inside, he is a good man, despite his many emotional, material, and moral issues.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are noted for their intense and graphic scenes, which may not be suitable for all players. However, the overall presentation is criticized for being overly serious and grandiose, contrasting poorly with the mundane material and unrelatable characters.
“The graphics are so poorly rendered that it feels like a step back in time, reminiscent of early 2000s games.”
“Character models lack detail and animation, making interactions feel stiff and lifeless.”
“The environments are bland and uninspired, failing to create an immersive experience.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the character development as masterful, highlighting the superb writing and engaging plot that contribute to a complex and creative narrative.
“The writing is superb, the character development is masterful, the plot is engaging, and the crafting of the novel is complex and creative.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is criticized for its unrealistic portrayal of characters being excessively influenced by advertisements, particularly for luxury items like tropical vacations and cars, which detracts from the overall experience.
“The monetization strategy feels exploitative, as it constantly pushes players to spend money to progress.”
“I find the in-game purchases to be overpriced and not worth the value they provide.”
“The game is designed in a way that makes it nearly impossible to enjoy without spending real money.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "The Bonfire of the Vanities" is characterized as a sharp and satirical critique of 1980s greed, effectively intertwining the narratives of its four protagonists to deliver a comedic yet poignant social commentary.
