lola425's review against another edition
3.0
A great examination of friendship between young girls, especially those whose paths diverge as they head into adolescence. Messud gets the tone just right. I had just finished Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend just prior to reading this which explored a similar theme in a different time/setting and I actually found Julia and Cassie's relationship more compelling than Elena and Lila's. I felt the end floundered a bit, but much like life things peter out and don't necessarily resolve themselves in a neat little package.
millermk1229's review against another edition
Did not finish, the premise didn’t hold my interest.
lynnannwalsh's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
readers_block's review against another edition
4.0
A big fan of The Emperor's Children, I couldn't wait to read this one. And while it's much shorter, it's beautifully written and evocative in the same way.
The story centers around the friendship of two young girls. Messud perfectly captures the nuances of young female friendships- to me, this book couldn't have been more relevant. Her observations are at once astute and emotional, while she weaves a story with a plot that is at the same time compelling.
The story centers around the friendship of two young girls. Messud perfectly captures the nuances of young female friendships- to me, this book couldn't have been more relevant. Her observations are at once astute and emotional, while she weaves a story with a plot that is at the same time compelling.
peetan's review against another edition
4.0
A book about growing up and growing a part
Pros: quick read - read it in a day
Fun ya novel with dark undertones
Captivating story
Cons: some parts dragged on
Characters weren't always relatable
6.5/10
Pros: quick read - read it in a day
Fun ya novel with dark undertones
Captivating story
Cons: some parts dragged on
Characters weren't always relatable
6.5/10
arlafreeman's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. It took me forever to finish it. Longer than most books. I kept losing interest consistently. The plot felt thin to me. I did enjoy Julia’s voice and thoughts as a character.
3/5 stars for me.
3/5 stars for me.
rglossner's review against another edition
4.0
Julia and Cassie have been friends since nursery school in their small Massachusetts town. Their family lives are very different, and as they enter adolescence, they grow apart. Cassie’s journey to find her biological father and answers about her background put her life in danger, and test the bonds of friendship. A powerful coming of age story.
heatherer's review against another edition
2.0
I was hoping waiting a few days would make me feel better about this book, but I’m actually increasingly coming to dislike it. I’d give it 2.5 stars if I could because it pulls one in well enough. But it is somewhere between nihilism (there is no meaning) and existentialism (meaning is what we make of it) in its conclusions and I find there’s very little in it that I want to continue reflecting on. Further, I find the characters besides Julia (the protagonist) a bit hard to believe - they’re one-dimensional and just plain odd at that. And what gives with the author’s tendency to describe people’s appearance by their breasts?! It was a quick read, but I would not recommend on the whole.