Reviews

The Last Book Party by Karen Dukess

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katekate_reads_'s review

4.0

Reading The Last Book Party will transport you to Cape Code/Manhattan in 1987 - particularly into the literary world. Some books draw you in with the characters, some with the plot - but I think it’s less common to be drawn in so completely by the setting.

While reading this book - I was completely absorbed in Eve’s world - a 25 year old editorial assistant who suddenly finds herself drawn into the world of the literary elite. She finds herself drawn into the world of Henry and Tillie Rosen - a writer for The New Yorker and a published rising star poet, respectively.

I loved the atmosphere of this book and how completely I felt a part of each scene - culminating in the amazing Book Party the Rosen’s throw at the end of each season - where every guest comes dressed as a character from a book.

I really enjoyed this read and recommend it if this sounds intriguing to you. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy.

sunforsavannah's review

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

mommamel11's review

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4.0

At the beginning, I did not think I’d like this book. The main characters were shallow in a 1980’s self absorbed way (even the older characters) that’s unattractive. People tell me you don’t have to like characters to have a good story but likable characters are pretty much a requisite for me. What worked for me was the Cape Cod setting. And the characterizations were very good. I think I understood Eve’s growth by the end of the novel.