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lsmith36's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First Read:
I really loved the letters in this book. I enjoyed seeing the main character, Marcos, struggle with love and the changes in his life. He’s not a likable character, but his struggles and obsession with the woman who wrote these letters is very human.
Second Read:
Still breathless. This second read showed me how interconnected the chapters in this book are. Marcos is sad and insufferable, but feels so real. There's so many quotes in this book that haunt me. There's so much to unpack in this story, so I'll certainly be reading this a third time.
I really loved the letters in this book. I enjoyed seeing the main character, Marcos, struggle with love and the changes in his life. He’s not a likable character, but his struggles and obsession with the woman who wrote these letters is very human.
Second Read:
Still breathless. This second read showed me how interconnected the chapters in this book are. Marcos is sad and insufferable, but feels so real. There's so many quotes in this book that haunt me. There's so much to unpack in this story, so I'll certainly be reading this a third time.
taygivs's review against another edition
3.0
Ooooh. This one was unsettling and uncomfortable in a good way. It’s a searing, intimate, examination of two people recently at the end of relationships and all the violence, heartache, trauma, and obsession that follows. I wasn’t wild about the ending (but didn’t hate it!) and didn’t always understand what was happening but otherwise found it absolutely enthralling from beginning to end (I read it in one sitting). The translation is so well done.
twinmom80's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
vvv3210's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
ridwa's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
akeivens's review
hopeful
informative
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? No
1.0
catgarcia1's review against another edition
4.0
I was first intrigued by the description of the book. A recently divorced man doesn't relate to his ex-wife, daughter, girlfriend, or the world in general. He receives letter at his new apartment addressed to the previous tenant, reads them, and becomes obsessed with the woman writing them who only signs a letter "A".
While I wasn't sure what to think when I started to audiobook, I stuck with it and by the end I could totally appreciate the story and writing style. I recommend the audiobook because the two different narrators did an awesome performance. Great job projecting the feelings behind the words.
SPOILERS AHEAD...
I think the ex-wife was writing Marco the letters. It's almost like Marco's had a psychotic break or nervous break down at the end of the relationship and blocked out that last day they had together. I feel there are clues to this. His girlfriend expresses concern for his emotional/mental stability after their dinner date, he stops going to work and withdraws from day to day life. I think the apartment might even be owned by his mother in law (he says she reminds him of her) and I think all this goes to show he's not mentally within himself and there was a break the last night he was with his wife with how he wandered the streets in the middle of the night.
While I wasn't sure what to think when I started to audiobook, I stuck with it and by the end I could totally appreciate the story and writing style. I recommend the audiobook because the two different narrators did an awesome performance. Great job projecting the feelings behind the words.
SPOILERS AHEAD...
I think the ex-wife was writing Marco the letters. It's almost like Marco's had a psychotic break or nervous break down at the end of the relationship and blocked out that last day they had together. I feel there are clues to this. His girlfriend expresses concern for his emotional/mental stability after their dinner date, he stops going to work and withdraws from day to day life. I think the apartment might even be owned by his mother in law (he says she reminds him of her) and I think all this goes to show he's not mentally within himself and there was a break the last night he was with his wife with how he wandered the streets in the middle of the night.
repenapatapa's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-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
4.25
incels be like
alic59books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
_bookally_'s review against another edition
4.0
I feel like my brain is still processing this book. It had me hooked in from the synopsis. I was intrigued as soon as I got into it. I enjoyed the 2 perspectives, although the repetition of A' s sections did eventually did become quite annoying but I get the point that was trying to get made. I enjoyed the writing. I dont know if I would say I necessarily enjoyed the book but it definitely evoked emotions out of me. Although I feel like it was intended I could not stand Marco, he made me angry the way he was towards women especially his ex wife and daughter. His fantasy of A who clearly has her own issues annoys me too. A and her relationship with whoever he is is obviously troubled and abusive and at some points very difficult and uncomfortable to read. It kept me on edge the whole time but I was disappointed by the ending. It sounds like I didn't like the book but I actually did it was just not in the typical sense.