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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
It's great but I couldn't tell you why. Every scene is too long and drawn out. Did not see how it would actually end. Ending was sublime. Glad I pushed through the self-indulgent "literary" parts. Fabulous. The last 10 or so pages make it worth the effort.
Was it the voice of Theo, slow and instable throughout the book that made me wake up earlier to read before starting the day? Or was it the image of Boris, wild-eyed and messy haircut, or was it Mrs Barbour and her sad, cold, endless love? It was Hobie that caught my attention the most, an artist, a specialist, a social introverted ray of warmth through the book. This story made my first half of december a bit more interesting, it took me to snowy streets in New York, the Barbour flat and the antique store. This book smells, and not just because I borrowed a heavily read copy at the library in the town where my parents live. This book made me scent dust, dirt and drugs. The heavy ambiance and weight of the painting under Theos bed. The scent of Pippa’s hair at the breakfast table, the scent of Mrs Barbour’s jasmin. Of Theos angst and of Boris danger. A wonderfully described novel that’s sometime’s terrifying, sometimes lovely.
I really enjoyed it, but just found it a little long. Still, not sure what I would cut. Also found the ending a little contrived.
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Toxic friendship
This was a looooong audiobook (+ 32 hours), performed superbly by David Pittu. I say performed rather than read because this really was an audio performance. I loved this book from the very first word and I really, really would like to see it made into a movie. I see Adrian Brody as adult Boris.
What I took away from this is that everything that happens to us makes us who we are. One event can change the entire course of our lives. Would Theo have turned out differently if he hadn't been in the museum that morning with his mother? Go back even further. Would Theo even have been in the museum if he hadn't gotten into trouble at school?
I, like Welty and Theo, and Boris, became obsessed by the painting. I looked it up and it IS a real painting. This story is fictitious but plausible.
What I took away from this is that everything that happens to us makes us who we are. One event can change the entire course of our lives. Would Theo have turned out differently if he hadn't been in the museum that morning with his mother? Go back even further. Would Theo even have been in the museum if he hadn't gotten into trouble at school?
I, like Welty and Theo, and Boris, became obsessed by the painting. I looked it up and it IS a real painting. This story is fictitious but plausible.
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The book was a bit slow at times, but I loved its story of art and the need to preserve it. Theo’s struggles and Boris’s chaotic presence kept me wondering whether Boris was a blessing or a curse. And honestly, I wish I could wander through Hobie’s store and get lost among the treasures.
That being said, the themes in this book, mainly the drug abuse, alcoholism, the suicide thoughts and murder/death doesn't make this book an easy read. There are a whole lot of deranged/manipulative people in this book. Be warned!
It's a book that stays with you and make you think about your own upbringing and motivations in life.
That being said, the themes in this book, mainly the drug abuse, alcoholism, the suicide thoughts and murder/death doesn't make this book an easy read. There are a whole lot of deranged/manipulative people in this book. Be warned!
It's a book that stays with you and make you think about your own upbringing and motivations in life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Death of parent, Alcohol
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt
Minor: Gun violence, Violence, Xenophobia
somewhere between 4.25 and 4.5. This was SO GOOD. Also Boris <3 best character