Scan barcode
jhbandcats's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
I love this book. First of all, I love the cover of the four flowers, one still a bud. I love the ease and the detail of the writing. I love the in-depth characterization. I love the complex plot. I love how Korelitz gradually, gradually reveals the depth of her characters.
This is a complicated multi-generational story of a deeply flawed family, with almost all the members miserable and hating one another. For the author to be able to take such frequently unpleasant characters and make the reader care about them is quite the talent. She skewers the ultra rich yet is able to show even the annoying and unpleasant characters with sympathy. Lots to learn here about modern art, too.
I’d read The Plot, a convoluted mystery, and as I kept reading this, I kept wondering when the mystery was going to start. (I assumed Korelitz wrote only mysteries.) It was only when I was 2/3 through the book that I realized the whole thing was a mystery, the mystery of people growing up, no matter their age, interacting with one another, and coming to accept themselves.
This is a complicated multi-generational story of a deeply flawed family, with almost all the members miserable and hating one another. For the author to be able to take such frequently unpleasant characters and make the reader care about them is quite the talent. She skewers the ultra rich yet is able to show even the annoying and unpleasant characters with sympathy. Lots to learn here about modern art, too.
I’d read The Plot, a convoluted mystery, and as I kept reading this, I kept wondering when the mystery was going to start. (I assumed Korelitz wrote only mysteries.) It was only when I was 2/3 through the book that I realized the whole thing was a mystery, the mystery of people growing up, no matter their age, interacting with one another, and coming to accept themselves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Car accident, Classism, Grief, Infertility, Outing, Racism, Mental illness, and Antisemitism
biolog_e's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy, Car accident, Infertility, Grief, Cultural appropriation, and Miscarriage
franklola's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, Car accident, Death, Infidelity, and Infertility
Moderate: Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Outing
kaylasbookgram's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you Celadon Books for the advanced copy for my honest review.
This book touched so many topics from mental health to racism to religion. I thoroughly enjoyed the story but the slow build is not for me especially in bigger books. Which is why I’m giving it a 3⭐️ for I liked it. The genres on Goodreads says this is a mystery/thriller but I didn’t get that vibe at all so I wouldn’t suggest it for someone looking for that specific genre.
This book touched so many topics from mental health to racism to religion. I thoroughly enjoyed the story but the slow build is not for me especially in bigger books. Which is why I’m giving it a 3⭐️ for I liked it. The genres on Goodreads says this is a mystery/thriller but I didn’t get that vibe at all so I wouldn’t suggest it for someone looking for that specific genre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Religious bigotry, Abandonment, Grief, Infertility, Mental illness, Outing, Pregnancy, and Racism
More...