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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
The concept of this book: a woman that no one could remember, was very intriguing. However, the execution definitely lacked something for me. Generally I can finish a book like this in 2-3 days, but this one took about a week and a half.
Did not finish (at about page 200).
After enjoying "The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August", I am so disappointed that I couldn't find anything to enjoy in this one.
Harry August had a strong and intriguing what-if?-based premise and a memoir-based narrative that skipped back and forth over the protagonist's fifteen lives.
"The Sudden Appearance of Hope" has ... exactly the same (sans the fifteen lives; although arguably, with Arden's forgettableness, she actually experiences an infinite number of lives in the form of an infinite, and I really do mean infinite, replay of first introductions). But while the artificially complicated narrative structure worked for Harry August, it rang false for the character of Hope Arden. She's younger, she's entirely alone in the world (unlike August, who quickly garners a support network), and she's on the run from her own incompetence. I wanted more thriller in this, and instead found leaden pacing and an underdeveloped protagonist.
When I pick up an author's subsequent books, I prefer to find something new, with the authorial voice the only constant, rather than a rejigged version of the work I first enjoyed.
After enjoying "The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August", I am so disappointed that I couldn't find anything to enjoy in this one.
Harry August had a strong and intriguing what-if?-based premise and a memoir-based narrative that skipped back and forth over the protagonist's fifteen lives.
"The Sudden Appearance of Hope" has ... exactly the same (sans the fifteen lives; although arguably, with Arden's forgettableness, she actually experiences an infinite number of lives in the form of an infinite, and I really do mean infinite, replay of first introductions). But while the artificially complicated narrative structure worked for Harry August, it rang false for the character of Hope Arden. She's younger, she's entirely alone in the world (unlike August, who quickly garners a support network), and she's on the run from her own incompetence. I wanted more thriller in this, and instead found leaden pacing and an underdeveloped protagonist.
When I pick up an author's subsequent books, I prefer to find something new, with the authorial voice the only constant, rather than a rejigged version of the work I first enjoyed.
Excellent narrator -- both the voice of the protagonist and audiobook's reader. I think my favorite thing about this book is that it basically takes what could be, maybe, three different plots for books and twines them all together into an utterly fascinating story. The ramifications of people un-rememberable are explored quite thoroughly and so much of the psychology of the characters just rings so true. I look forward to reading (or listening to) more of North's books.
Interesting premise! And nice how the bigger story was more society commentary than just revolving around the main character.
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Interesting and complex plot, fascinating character study, and I really liked the prose, and the way it mirrored Hope's mental state. However, I found it immensely difficult to connect to Hope, and as a character-focused reader this made it very hard for me to really feel invested in the story. Overall an enjoyable enough reading experience, although I did think the ending was a bit unsatisfying as well.
I read this a year ago and I still think about it all the time. Great book, great read, bit of a mindf***.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I got about 48% into this...and I just didn't care. The blurb is misleading and doesn't even talk about half of what this book is about...and I just didn't care one bit about "Perfection." Also, the defining of words, and counting, and just repetitious nature of this book just wasn't keeping me intrigued. I've only had mild luck with Claire North, so this may be my last read of hers.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes