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timeslime's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mogffm3's review
2.0
Solid 2.5.
Audio-version was just to tedious to listen to with his Tourette's. The character seemed to come alive, but there was just a reader mis-match as he was too pitiable, and the overall story with too many serious topics and grit.
I read for enjoyment and this book was brutal in the characterization of the main character's Tourette's and autism, and the negative impact it had on his life, it left me a bit sadder than when I started.
Audio-version was just to tedious to listen to with his Tourette's. The character seemed to come alive, but there was just a reader mis-match as he was too pitiable, and the overall story with too many serious topics and grit.
I read for enjoyment and this book was brutal in the characterization of the main character's Tourette's and autism, and the negative impact it had on his life, it left me a bit sadder than when I started.
categj's review
4.0
Lionel Essrog is an unforgettable character, likeable, funny, and smart. Jonathan Letham is a wonderful writer, the characters in "Motherless Brooklyn" are well developed and the setting was very "New York". The story was well-crafted. Lionel, who has Tourette's Syndrome makes an unlikely detective.
The story of Minna's Men unfolds as Lionel stumbles into a murder that hits close to home and he is determined to get to the truth. Following his intuition and using his street smarts and instincts, he braves car chases, beatings, gun play by hired thugs, old mobsters, strangers and friends to finally crack the case.
I would highly recommend this book — it was a great read.
The story of Minna's Men unfolds as Lionel stumbles into a murder that hits close to home and he is determined to get to the truth. Following his intuition and using his street smarts and instincts, he braves car chases, beatings, gun play by hired thugs, old mobsters, strangers and friends to finally crack the case.
I would highly recommend this book — it was a great read.
nderiley's review
2.0
I'll be honest, I was relieved when a book on my library shelf came off hold and I could stop reading Motherless Brooklyn. This is my second attempt at a Jonathan Lethem book and again I am impressed by his prose but in contrast to the other reviewers, I couldn't STAND reading through the tics. Sure I'll afford that it makes for a different and interesting narrator but that's the only value-add I can see and it doesn't outweigh the irritant for me.
alrightokay's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
educatedxicana's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
katel1970's review
5.0
I first read this not long after it came out and loved it! Just read it again because 20 years after publication it's now in theaters, and I wanted a refresher before I see it there. (Though after reading reviews of the film, they may have made so many changes the book may be an unrecognizable source). I still love the book! Fascinating and unusual characters, an interesting plot, and wonderfully written. What more could I ask for?
juliahascats's review
5.0
I would give it 4.5 stars if that was an option. So much is incredible, some bits felt a bit forced.