Villa Incognito

I only sort of enjoyed it...

Villa Incognito is one weird story! It was funny and witty and kept my interest somewhat but it certainly wasn't a great book. I can't even begin to describe what it's about except for this: an animal from Japanese folklore with a giant scrotum, Vietnam MIA's trafficking drugs, a lesbian circus clown, some lady with a chrysanthemum seed implanted in her mouth. Villa Incognito is both bizarre and strangely captivating. This is the first Tom Robbins book I've read and though I only sort of enjoyed it I would definitely give his other books a read.

If it was a dirrerent writer it would be considered good...

But it's Tom Robbins, so it's luke warm fast food breakfast leftovers. Anyone who has read his other books and has waited compressed breath for this one finds (and will find) the Villa very disappointing. If you are a Robbins novice, you should read it, you'll enjoy it. But, in this book Robbins, like the writers of the TV shows Gillmore Girls and the West Wing, has grown too in love with his own style.This book marvles at its own reflection as it passes by the shop window but. Sorry dude, the outfit is NOT ThAT cute. Being aware and in love with ones own cleverness is almost as bad as not being clever at all - maybe worse, I'm not sure. It's like a guy whoKNOWS he's attractive, soemhow he just isn't anymore. Sad, really, the Robins-ey nuggets of phrasing are tastety as usual but they get lost in the (forgive the mispelling) narcisisim of the novel's inadequate (sp?) bulk. Ever eat too much o Entemin's chocolate coverd doughnuts or cookies or raspberry Danish? They all taste the same after a while - reading this novel is like that. Maybe he should take more time between books this time? Maybe he should retire? And what IS his fascination with genitalia?

Robbins has a way about him

Tom Robbins' novels are like a drop of Jack Daniel's on an alcoholic's tongue. He possesses a unique talent for storytelling interspersed with the kind of tidbits of information that feel like mentholatum for the brain. It makes one wonder why he is not more well-known.

Not up to par

This novel is definitely not up to Robbins' usual excellence. More of a long-winded short story.

Brilliantly Written

Tom Robbins is ever outdoing himself. Never before has there been a character like Tanuki.

Alert Tom Robbins fan, your gonna love this...

Super fun weekend read...as usual pay close attention or you'll miss the point!

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