Review of Crawling Towards The Exit: July

[Varisha Khanna]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Crawling Towards The Exit: July" by Barrie Machin.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

I would rate “Crawling Towards The Exit: July” by Barrie Machin a 4/5. This book is a unique and intriguing collection that blends autobiographical one-line portraits, life story cartoons, and personal reflections. As both an artist and ethnographer, the author offers readers a deeply personal glimpse into his life, capturing moments and musings with a blend of humor, wit, and introspection.

The book is not a traditional narrative but a compilation of brief, vivid snapshots of the author’s life. Each one-line portrait is a concise, yet evocative, description of an event, a feeling, or an observation. These portraits are interspersed with life story cartoons that visually depict key moments in the author’s journey, ranging from the mundane to the profound. Through these illustrations, readers gain insight into the author's experiences, thoughts, and the world as seen through his eyes.

The author’s reflections tie the collection together, providing context and depth to the portraits and cartoons. These reflections often delve into his thoughts on art, life, and the human condition, showcasing his skills as both a storyteller and a philosopher. The combination of text and illustration creates a rich tapestry that invites readers to explore the nuances of his life and work.

I enjoyed the originality of this book. The use of one-line portraits and cartoons is a refreshing departure from conventional autobiographical writing. I appreciated that the format allows for a quick and engaging read that is easy to dip into and out of, making it perfect for anyone with a busy schedule.

I found the cartoons in the book not only visually appealing but also packed with emotion and meaning. Each drawing complements the corresponding portrait or reflection perfectly in my opinion. I like that this book distills complex experiences and emotions into succinct, impactful snippets.

The humor and wit that pervade the book make it an enjoyable read. The author’s ability to find humor in both the trivial and the significant moments of life is commendable and makes this book a pleasure to read. I also appreciated that there were no grammatical errors in this book.

While the book’s unique formatting is one of its strengths it can also be seen as a limitation. The brevity of the one-line portraits and cartoons left me wanting more details and context in some places. Additionally, the book’s eclectic nature may not appeal to everyone, and the lack of a cohesive, linear storyline can make it feel disjointed at times. Maybe an additional summary in a traditional format at the end of the book would have helped with this.

In conclusion, this is a distinctive and engaging collection that offers a fresh perspective on autobiographical storytelling. The author’s artistic prowess and keen observations make this book a compelling read for those who appreciate humor, art, and introspective reflections. Despite its unconventional format, the book succeeds in capturing the essence of the author’s life and thoughts, making it a worthwhile addition to any reader’s collection. For those open to a different kind of autobiographical experience, this book is sure to provide both enjoyment and insight.

******
Crawling Towards The Exit: July
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[DEVIKA R NAIR]

Your appreciation of the book's unique format and humor has intrigued me. I look forward to experiencing the vivid snapshots and life story cartoons myself. Your review has definitely convinced me to give this book a read!

[Martin Shae]

This unique and intriguing collection blends autobiographical one-line portraits, life story cartoons, and personal reflections. As both an artist and ethnographer, the author provides a deeply personal glimpse into his life with humor, wit, and introspection. Each concise portrait captures vivid moments and observations, while the life story cartoons illustrate key events, offering readers a rich visual and emotional experience.

[Lorna Kimondo]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on "Crawling Towards The Exit: July". You have piqued my interest. It seems like a perfect book to dip into during short breaks

[Anthony Caleb]

I love the idea of artistic work in this book, art work tells a lot of stories and I am surely a deep lover of arts.

[Idris Alooma]

This review of "Crawling Towards The Exit: July" by Barrie Machin in the Georgian accent. Rating the book 4 out of 5, it highlights the unique blend of autobiographical one-line portraits, life story cartoons, and personal reflections. The reviewer praises the book's originality, humor, and engaging artwork. They acknowledge the brevity of the format as both a strength and a limitation, but ultimately recommend it as an enjoyable and worthwhile read for those who appreciate introspective storytelling. Mesmerizing prose, swept me away completely.