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ndschmidt's review against another edition
Book was recalled to the library for an awaiting patron. I've placed another hold to finish it.
annashiv's review against another edition
5.0
Magnifico! Stupendi!
Beautiful and wonderful and touching. I loved the characters and thought it was very well written and presented, and the ending really shook me with how it was done. The epilogue maybe felt a bit off, but I'm willing to forgive it as the rest of the book was wonderful. I didn't want it to end just as those inside didn't want it to end. It could have just gone on and one, and I would have enjoyed it all the same. Alas, it wouldn't be the story it is if it had.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone, though I could see it not being to everyone's tastes.
The one thing I'm not sure of is the author not mentioning Peru. It seems an odd choice. If she didn't want it to be associated with the true events, I think she should have tried to fictionalize a few more aspects of it rather than only retract the name of the country. I looked up an interview she did and she said it was because she thought everyone would have forgotten about it by the time the book came out, which is true, but I don't understand why that would mean you should remove the name of the host country. If anything, I would think it an added reason. I had no idea about the even this is based on, mostly because I was either way too young or hadn't been born yet, but I think she should have committed one way or the other.
Beautiful and wonderful and touching. I loved the characters and thought it was very well written and presented, and the ending really shook me with how it was done. The epilogue maybe felt a bit off, but I'm willing to forgive it as the rest of the book was wonderful. I didn't want it to end just as those inside didn't want it to end. It could have just gone on and one, and I would have enjoyed it all the same. Alas, it wouldn't be the story it is if it had.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone, though I could see it not being to everyone's tastes.
The one thing I'm not sure of is the author not mentioning Peru. It seems an odd choice. If she didn't want it to be associated with the true events, I think she should have tried to fictionalize a few more aspects of it rather than only retract the name of the country. I looked up an interview she did and she said it was because she thought everyone would have forgotten about it by the time the book came out, which is true, but I don't understand why that would mean you should remove the name of the host country. If anything, I would think it an added reason. I had no idea about the even this is based on, mostly because I was either way too young or hadn't been born yet, but I think she should have committed one way or the other.
jmstru's review against another edition
5.0
What a lovely book. Beautiful storytelling about art and community during a crisis.
It ends sadly however.
It ends sadly however.
doomslugreads's review against another edition
5.0
Ann Patchett has a charming way with words and the ability to explain every day actions and relational happenings in unique and chilling ways.
Sadly, I simply don't measure up in my ability to write a review that would justify how much I love this book.
Sadly, I simply don't measure up in my ability to write a review that would justify how much I love this book.
randomreader5's review against another edition
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
4.5
chrisramos_readingrecord_2024's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
leilabp4's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
maiagrace15's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
elliehamilton38's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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
4.0
kgfugate8299's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25