bwrecky's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
glennmiller5309's review
5.0
Shteyngart's book takes place during the opening months of the pandemic as a group of seven friends hide themselves away on a compound on the Hudson River. While this book examines the complexities of relationships and friendships -- old friendships -- it is also a treatise on the creative spirit and the fragile and precarious act of creative expression. As in his previous novels, Shteyngart aptly displays his wonderful sense of humor, but comedy is not so much the main point of this book, as is the sheer expression of humanity in a difficult time. There are neither specific questions nor black-and-white answers in this novel, making it that much more representational of the multi-hued layers of life.
skaggsy's review against another edition
1.0
The more I think about this book the more I hated it. If you want a grim depressing discussion of class and privilege that goes nowhere and only makes you hate yourself your friends and everyone who you know who belongs or aspires to a certain social class this is for you. They kill off the only likeable character.
stori_time's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
abroadwell's review
4.0
Engaging and sad -- but there were some parts that did not connect with me. I think there are allusions in the novel to something famous and Russian, but I didn't know what!
I also had some trouble remembering and identifying with the different characters.
But these are quibbles, since Shteyngart is an excellent writer and this was a very enjoyable experience.
I also had some trouble remembering and identifying with the different characters.
But these are quibbles, since Shteyngart is an excellent writer and this was a very enjoyable experience.
faysie34's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5