Scan barcode
sophiegs's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Car accident and Death
lesbiangrandpa's review against another edition
5.0
This book made me chuckle more than I think any other has. Ultimately, this felt like a narrative of how friendship saves your life, which is very wholesome and beautiful and something I agree with wholeheartedly.
taylorcoolpants's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most incredible books I have ever read!
kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent use of language! Coupled with a great story about lives, their intertwining and what happens when we reach out to each other.
kimschebler's review against another edition
5.0
It took me some time to become invested in this book because its characters were heavier with cynicism than I generally prefer, but I loved watching them grow and open their hearts. This book stayed with me longer than most.
anntrautmannm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I tried to read this at least three times previously, but never got interested enough to finish. I am so very glad that I did this time. What a lovely book. An inspiration. There were so many themes, but what meant the most to me was the importance of human connection. The main character lives most of her life without it--without being seen/heard as Mr. Kakuro Ozo so insightfully puts it. The secondary main character, Paloma, lives similarly. The two share intelligence, wit, and an appreciation of art--each appreciating alone; individually. I don't want to spoil the ending, so will add only that the writing style (like essays) is noteworthy, and the references to art, music, and literature are so enjoyable--at least those with which I was familiar. Having recently re-read Anna Karenina was perfect!
elizabethfoster2603's review against another edition
1.0
this book is a bit pretentious, it might be the translation. after talking about it with my bookclub it seems like the kind of book you need to skim over, also the character is meant to be confusing because that's how society sees the two characters.
bywell's review against another edition
3.0
Audio version disappointing. Reviews of the book called it "so French" and yet the concierge in the audio version brought the story from Paris to Brooklyn. Readers with french accents would have vastly improved the experience. 4 stars for the book, 2 stars for the recorded version.