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I really enjoyed this, there was something so nostalgic about it. A type of book I haven’t read in a long time but did so much as a kid - a combo of the writing style, the idea of short stories that have a lesson but it’s not obvious, the time period. 4.5/5

Soo readable I absolutely flew through it. Seriously rare for me and a mark of great fiction.

Chapter IV on evolutionary history & contingency is just so great. smart & thought-provoking and also utilizes movie examples and poems. love SJG

Chapter 9, my god. . .Catherine's speech to Nelly about her love for Heathcliff is unbelievable absolutely seminal romance novel work. Wow.

Had the thought that the detective Porfiry Petrovich reminds me a lot of Columbo - looked it up and, fun fact - Columbo was partially inspired by him!

tearing up over the Metamorphosis and Gregor Samsa, hated and seen as monstrous by his family for something he is that he can’t control :( and the capitalist world in which a man who is a bug worries about train schedules

tearing up the Metamorphosis and Gregor Samsa being seen as monstrous and hated by his family for what he is of no fault of his own :( and the capitalist system that makes a man who is a bug worry about being late for his train

I had no idea this would become a story of a mad scientist and a horrific biological transformation. possibly my favorite twist on the Frankenstein / artificial creation of life story ever & in part a criticism of eugenics/scientific morality. Great quick read