Reviews

The Libarianist by Patrick deWitt

dreichler's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

emma3699's review against another edition

informative reflective slow-paced

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

2.75

The writing was very dense and often came across as arrogant as if the author thought that every other line should go down in history. It was an interesting concept and had potential, but every section of the book built up to one moment but didn’t offer closure which was annoying (especially the ending of the book which was a disappointing non-ending as if the author reached a word count and and decided “I’m finished”). Also, the entirety of section 1945 read as if it was the story “Coraline” but written as a Wes Anderson film (without the scariness). There were some good moments and characters, but overall, I was just left annoyed when I finished. 

ardennnn's review against another edition

3.0

engaging but also just a bit stupid. probably should read again when I’m a senior 

athowse's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lambsears's review against another edition

3.0

I'd scale this up 1/2 star if I could.

Patrick deWitt's writing is as delightful as I remember from "The Sisters Brothers", and I thoroughly enjoyed this new novel.
I loved the character of the quiet, gentle Bob, although I'm not sure about the second half of the book. It was at risk of becoming aimless once or twice, and the ending could have done with a tiny bit more finessing.
But, all in all, a very pleasant read.

sophiabooks's review against another edition

4.5

this was SO cute i loved it idk why books about old people will always do it for me. love u bob

bookishrona's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

dameagles's review against another edition

emotional reflective 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? Yes

4.0

jedbird's review against another edition

3.5

This is good until it just sort of ends. I have ultimately been let down by every deWitt novel I've read, but they're very engaging until that happens.

rhondareader's review against another edition

sad slow-paced

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

3.25