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joannac224's review against another edition
1.0
The writing in this book drove me insane. Story lines begin in the middle and nothing is explained properly, it’s almost as if you had to guess what she is talking about throughout the whole book. First and last Amy Bloom book I will be reading.
kiera_rane's review against another edition
3.0
I was originally expecting this book to be about love. While parts of it are, it feels more about obsession and constant regret. The relationships between each of the characters were so strange. I did love how bold the plot was and enjoyed how unapologetic the author made her characters. I read it all in one sitting!
katiesmcclendon's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kakimbrew's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Miscarriage, Infidelity, Pedophilia, and Child abuse
jhna's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
superdilettante's review against another edition
4.0
I just can't get over what a twit the protagonist is. And, oddly, I found a lot of the "love" scenes grotesque. I suppose I am finally reacting appropriately to sexual intimacy between a young girl and her teacher. What's become of me?
This is one of those novels where no amount of gorgeous writing can make me feel anything other than contempt for her all-too-human characters.
ETA: I gave this one more star, because I realized that the twitty protagonist is the whole point. As I went further and further into the novel, I found myself thinking about the characters when I _wasn't_ reading the novel. Again, it's hard for me to enjoy a book about a character I don't like, but I realize that's my own shortcoming and I should probably work on it. Elizabeth is flawed, and kind of stupid, and makes bad decisions, but she is also human. Maybe I'm reacting so strongly against her character because I see the worst of me there, too.
It's a smart book that makes you examine your own feelings and motives. Four stars.
This is one of those novels where no amount of gorgeous writing can make me feel anything other than contempt for her all-too-human characters.
ETA: I gave this one more star, because I realized that the twitty protagonist is the whole point. As I went further and further into the novel, I found myself thinking about the characters when I _wasn't_ reading the novel. Again, it's hard for me to enjoy a book about a character I don't like, but I realize that's my own shortcoming and I should probably work on it. Elizabeth is flawed, and kind of stupid, and makes bad decisions, but she is also human. Maybe I'm reacting so strongly against her character because I see the worst of me there, too.
It's a smart book that makes you examine your own feelings and motives. Four stars.
haimson's review against another edition
2.0
Not worth it. Amy Bloom can do so much better, usually in her essays and short stories.
alissanelson's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting to re-read a book I loved a ton when I was in my early 20s. Not sure why I loved this! but still well-written and nuanced.