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bexlrose's review against another edition
5.0
A really great book. Felt like Stoner mixed with elements of Donna Tartt. A beautifully written novel about a fairly ordinary life.
reed_sugar's review against another edition
2.0
I’ve been wanting to read this book for years, and now that I have I’m mildly disappointed. It was a smooth read, but that’s about all the pros I can think of. Otherwise — pathetic and boring characters. Also, a far too sloppy and lazy writing for a deep study on Time and Truth and whatnot.
melissa_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I'm confused as to how I feel about this book. I found the first section rather reminiscent of 'Dead Poet's Society' with Adrian and Old Joe Hunt hitting a chord when discussing the subject of apportioning blame throughout history.
As the story continued I disliked Tony more and more. However, at the same time I was able to relate to him, being save & average & normal.
I enjoyed the commentary on how time effects memory & the overall character of people. It was written wonderfully and Barnes created very interesting characters (I did want to strangle Veronica at the end though 'you still don't get it. You never did, and you never will')
In some ways I feel like I will never 'get' this book, I feel there is a deeply ingrained meaning inside that, like Tony, I haven't been told.
Intriguing read.
As the story continued I disliked Tony more and more. However, at the same time I was able to relate to him, being save & average & normal.
I enjoyed the commentary on how time effects memory & the overall character of people. It was written wonderfully and Barnes created very interesting characters (I did want to strangle Veronica at the end though 'you still don't get it. You never did, and you never will')
In some ways I feel like I will never 'get' this book, I feel there is a deeply ingrained meaning inside that, like Tony, I haven't been told.
Intriguing read.
mirimiristar_89's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
ruby4sure's review against another edition
2.0
I actually could not tell you the point in this book - it's not pretty or eloquent enough to be any philosophical musing on life, or interesting or surprising enough to be a good story?
Tony is the most insufferable and jaded narrator - his pessimistic and drab view of the world seeps into everything especially by the end (that get a bonus point for the subtle communication of his middle class misery as he got older). There is one passage in this I liked about documenting your life and collecting photos etc (p59) which gives it a second bonus point, but the book overall is just so.... dull?
Tony is the most insufferable and jaded narrator - his pessimistic and drab view of the world seeps into everything especially by the end (that get a bonus point for the subtle communication of his middle class misery as he got older). There is one passage in this I liked about documenting your life and collecting photos etc (p59) which gives it a second bonus point, but the book overall is just so.... dull?
zezeki's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
cs4_0reads's review against another edition
reflective
slow-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
3.75