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3.26 AVERAGE
3.26 AVERAGE
kiwikathleen's review
5.0
I want to do a real review of this fascinating book, but it's probably not going to happen due to pressing other things. But, very briefly, it's funny and sad (tragic, even), has a story wound around real-life history (going from its subtitle of 'How one man accidentally started World War One' and on through the Spanish Civil War and World War Two), and the most engaging characters. The style is fun, with some lovely use of words and the ability to make everything seem very present. What a great find this book was for me!
majiii_hahaha's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Complicated
4.25
fredicia's review against another edition
3.0
I finished this book last night, and overall it was a pretty good read. Only problem? It was bit slow and tedious.
I loved the characters. Johan was a weird kid and adult, but his quirkiness was endearing and his intelligence astute. He's like that eccentric uncle you're always so fond of. All of the other characters were so flawed, but I didn't get annoyed or angry at their actions, like I expected, but oddly amused. Everyone is very imperfect, but somehow Thornton presents them all the better that way.
I understand that this is not a action book. In fact, it's not plot driven at all. It's an exploration of character, of emotions, and the effect of this one person on those around him. I knew this going into it, but, nevertheless, it was slow-paced and boring at times. It was akin to reading something for school. Which is why I can't give this something other than 3 stars.
I loved the characters. Johan was a weird kid and adult, but his quirkiness was endearing and his intelligence astute. He's like that eccentric uncle you're always so fond of. All of the other characters were so flawed, but I didn't get annoyed or angry at their actions, like I expected, but oddly amused. Everyone is very imperfect, but somehow Thornton presents them all the better that way.
I understand that this is not a action book. In fact, it's not plot driven at all. It's an exploration of character, of emotions, and the effect of this one person on those around him. I knew this going into it, but, nevertheless, it was slow-paced and boring at times. It was akin to reading something for school. Which is why I can't give this something other than 3 stars.
eclectictales's review against another edition
3.0
The scope of The Great and Calamitous Tale of Johan Thoms is pretty vast, covering the first half of the 20th century with the build-up and the destructiveness of the world wars in Europe. There is a sense of magical realism throughout the book, of the whimsical and the absurd that made Johan’s adventures larger-than-life but at the same time I felt that it was missing something that made it really awe-inspiring (for lack of a better word).
Johan is an intriguing character with different quirks that make him unique and destined for something great and/or leaving a major impact. However, because of the enormous scope that the novel covers and the instances and events that it covers, I found it a bit difficult to truly connect with the character, especially the further away from home he goes and the more guilty he feels over the course of the century (this might merely be because of the way the novel was narrated). I did however like the theme of memory and regret that was touched on throughout the novel, about what is in your control and what is out of your hands.
The Great and Calamitous Tale of Johan Thoms was a curious read. While it felt a little heavy-handed to me at times (and on occasion I found myself a little unsure as to where all of these stories were heading), it was very imaginative, weaving Johan’s life alongside some of the major events from the early half of the twentieth century. Readers of quirky narratives and magical realism will want to check this novel out.
You can read this review in its entirety over at eclectictales.com: http://www.eclectictales.com/blog/2013/09/18/review-the-great-and-calamitous-tale-of-johan-thoms/
Johan is an intriguing character with different quirks that make him unique and destined for something great and/or leaving a major impact. However, because of the enormous scope that the novel covers and the instances and events that it covers, I found it a bit difficult to truly connect with the character, especially the further away from home he goes and the more guilty he feels over the course of the century (this might merely be because of the way the novel was narrated). I did however like the theme of memory and regret that was touched on throughout the novel, about what is in your control and what is out of your hands.
The Great and Calamitous Tale of Johan Thoms was a curious read. While it felt a little heavy-handed to me at times (and on occasion I found myself a little unsure as to where all of these stories were heading), it was very imaginative, weaving Johan’s life alongside some of the major events from the early half of the twentieth century. Readers of quirky narratives and magical realism will want to check this novel out.
You can read this review in its entirety over at eclectictales.com: http://www.eclectictales.com/blog/2013/09/18/review-the-great-and-calamitous-tale-of-johan-thoms/