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macbeckyton's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this a lot but I also really, really wanted more. The writing is articulate and beautiful, in places, in a pared-down kind of way, and the research is enviably thorough... So many short chapters really worked for me to start with, too - I could gain momentum - but by the end, so many vignettes made me care less and less and less...
zazine's review
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
It's fractured and abstract in places, but it's bursting with love for New York and the wonderful artists that make the city what it is.
Beautiful, lyrical writing.
Beautiful, lyrical writing.
kaydee's review
4.0
A paean to New York City, its art and its artists.
I'd hesitate to call this a novel, it's more a series of vignettes, of imagined and real encounters, hopes and ideas. And I loved every page. I know the work and lives of Mapplethorpe and Whitman well so there was a sense of familiarity and I was fascinated to learn about the work of Moses. I found the White sections least satisfying, not sure if it was the current day setting or that I've never read his books so was missing context.
A very impressive debut. I'm already looking forward to Bradbury's next book (which sounds amazing - please hurry).
4.5
I'd hesitate to call this a novel, it's more a series of vignettes, of imagined and real encounters, hopes and ideas. And I loved every page. I know the work and lives of Mapplethorpe and Whitman well so there was a sense of familiarity and I was fascinated to learn about the work of Moses. I found the White sections least satisfying, not sure if it was the current day setting or that I've never read his books so was missing context.
A very impressive debut. I'm already looking forward to Bradbury's next book (which sounds amazing - please hurry).
4.5
garethireland's review against another edition
2.0
Some parts were excellent, especially towards the end. Most of the book, however, seems to just drift, is full of purple prose and doesn't seem to have a point. It reads like a creative writing exercise but isn't as clever or experimental as it thinks it is.
brigeorgie's review
3.0
Following the lives of several men and women in NYC from various time periods - 1880's, 1920's, 1970's and current day. How NYC has evolved over the centuries. Based on real life people, many artists and Walt Whitman. Themes of photography, sex, homosexuality and poverty.
gireland's review
2.0
Some parts were excellent, especially towards the end. Most of the book, however, seems to just drift, is full of purple prose and doesn't seem to have a point. It reads like a creative writing exercise but isn't as clever or experimental as it thinks it is.
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