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riderred97's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved the author’s writing style. For all of the references to Great Expectations I almost feel like this book stands as a “modern” interpretation of that story. Just a perfectly written drama that kept me engaged start to finish. Reading about rich white people doesn’t usually keep my interest, but each character was so well fleshed out that I just needed to know how their stories intersected and ultimately ended. Can’t recommend this enough!!!
bookzealots's review against another edition
it was going fine until chapter 8 when the author decided to introduce some no class people who all like the f word and there was an f-bomb festival. Took me out of the story and the story went in the trash. Such a disappointment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
deebee001's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
bookishonereads's review against another edition
5.0
A brilliantly-written period piece (NYC, 1938) that is also thoroughly modern. Stylish and substantial. I'm completely enamored with the heroine and her voice -- I keep waking thinking of her.
cbrosen610's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I adored this. I love everything he’s written. His characters are so good and his writing is beautiful. I loved that it took place in New York, and was just like a New York romp. DEFINITELY recommend
oberfuchs's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
edamamebean's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
A fantastic book in the tradition of Edith Wharton and F. Scott Fitzgerald. My heart was in my throat for the whole second half of the book.
bhnmt61's review against another edition
5.0
I've been trying to figure out what exactly it is that leads me to like a book, and I think while reading this one, I might have finally figured it out. It's been a bit hard to pin down because I like some literary fiction but not all of it, I like some mysteries but not all of them, I like some romances but not all of them, etc-- so it's not just a genre or a style.
I think it's that I like a sense of warmth. A sense that the author or at least the narrative voice comes from a place of compassion and warmly felt human emotion. It can be any kind of book--sad or happy or devastating whatever-- as long as I can connect with that sense of kindness and caring.
The opposite of that would be a book told in a clinically correct but unemotional voice. The writing can be beautiful, the plotting expert, but if it feels like the author is a puppet master manipulating the reader's response rather than writing about characters who have taken up residence in his/her/their heart, then it doesn't work for me.
And of course also yadda yadda yadda about good writing and no obvious plot holes. But you know, I can even excuse those if the author has managed to catch me up in the characters' stories.
Anyway, this book is a great example of a story warmly told. You come to care deeply about the characters, even though the plot-- two working class young women meet a high society guy on New Year's Eve and are drawn into his circle of friends--doesn't sound all that exciting. There are a few unexpected twists, but this isn't a book about a plot. It's a book about Katya Kontent, trying to figure out how to live her life. Loved it.
I think it's that I like a sense of warmth. A sense that the author or at least the narrative voice comes from a place of compassion and warmly felt human emotion. It can be any kind of book--sad or happy or devastating whatever-- as long as I can connect with that sense of kindness and caring.
The opposite of that would be a book told in a clinically correct but unemotional voice. The writing can be beautiful, the plotting expert, but if it feels like the author is a puppet master manipulating the reader's response rather than writing about characters who have taken up residence in his/her/their heart, then it doesn't work for me.
And of course also yadda yadda yadda about good writing and no obvious plot holes. But you know, I can even excuse those if the author has managed to catch me up in the characters' stories.
Anyway, this book is a great example of a story warmly told. You come to care deeply about the characters, even though the plot-- two working class young women meet a high society guy on New Year's Eve and are drawn into his circle of friends--doesn't sound all that exciting. There are a few unexpected twists, but this isn't a book about a plot. It's a book about Katya Kontent, trying to figure out how to live her life. Loved it.
ian4oh4's review
I’m sorry but this book is so fucking boring, and it’s due back at the library.