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abbeylane's review
3.25
3-3.5 stars. Interesting read…very flawed main character…but that is part of the story and he does experience some growth. Almost gave up around 300 pages in because of something he did. I had to put the book down for a day, but then decided to finish it anyways while just acknowledging that he’s done shitty things. Honestly I wish the book was from the point of view of the other twin (who is the more likeable one imo). Possibly questionable depictions of mental health. I wasn’t a fan of how heavy the end of the book was with whole chapters from his grandfathers memoir. I don’t know if I’m going to go around recommending this book, but I did enjoy reading it (for the most part). Longest book I’ve ever read and I only felt like giving up once, so that says something!
billymac1962's review
5.0
It's a very rare thing for me to come to the end of a 900 page novel without the feeling of "enough is enough" and more than ready to finally leave it and move on to something else.
This novel is the best I had read that year; I simply did not want it to end. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it was that kept me glued to the pages, was it the characters? the story line?
I think it was Lamb's compulsive readability. He's one of those talents that can write about nothing and still keep you whipping through the pages. Luckily, this is not about nothing; it's about a pair of identical twins, one of whom is a paranoid schizophrenic.
Don't let the size of this novel daunt you. You will whip through this and be sorry when it's over. I can't wait for Wally Lamb's next novel.
This novel is the best I had read that year; I simply did not want it to end. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it was that kept me glued to the pages, was it the characters? the story line?
I think it was Lamb's compulsive readability. He's one of those talents that can write about nothing and still keep you whipping through the pages. Luckily, this is not about nothing; it's about a pair of identical twins, one of whom is a paranoid schizophrenic.
Don't let the size of this novel daunt you. You will whip through this and be sorry when it's over. I can't wait for Wally Lamb's next novel.
hlntn's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
rebeconda's review
5.0
This is a riveting, 900 page novel about identical twins, one with paranoid schizophrenia. It spans three generations, and is woven together like a tapestry. This book will break your heart and will inspire you to face your anger & resentment. This was my first Wally Lamb book and I am hooked.
marissa_nicole's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
nikkiehippie0's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
via_email's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
harrylrichie's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
My all time favourite book ever