Reviews

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

encgolsen's review

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-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

3.5

I read this because it was mentioned in reviews for The Measure, but apart from the core idea (how would knowing the date of your death affect your life), it couldn't have been more different. It was more serious, more realistic and better written, yet I liked it less. The lives of four siblings take wildly different, but mostly tragic paths after they visit a fortune teller. Their lives are compelling, although I found the older brother Daniel's end the least convincing. A low pick because it is certainly thought-provoking, but it was too grim to be an enjoyable read. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Gun violence, and Suicide

dorkula's review against another edition

dark reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

sydneyyylove's review

4.0

I bought this book over the summer as an impulse purchase at a bookstore on the beach, and I’m glad that I did.

I really enjoyed reading this book, specifically Varya and Simon’s sections. I found their parts of the story most compelling given that they were the oldest and youngest and the ways that their stories contrasted in almost every way.

jlsjourneys's review

3.0

Mild spoilers only … the jacket promises a story that “proves the line between destiny and choice.” I experienced a story full of undiagnosed, untreated, unexplained mental illness. To me, this was a tragedy without a real source. We get so very little of Gertie & Saul’s backstory, it’s hard to understand and contextualize the depression, schizophrenia, and obsession of the siblings. I don’t mind a good tragedy, though I prefer the ones that are full of redemption. The Immortalists tries at this, but it’s thin, and too small a slice of the book. I recognize this review is quite negative for 3 stars, but it did keep my attention.

jayelpr's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this book! It came highly recommended as one of the hottest fiction books of the year, so my expectations were high. I enjoyed Klara and Varya the most.

someextras801's review

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

fxdevin's review against another edition

5.0

I LOVED this so much. Just such a beautiful story, kept me so hooked and was just great all around. A great story about life and fate and what life is all about! Can’t wait to check out other books by this author, highly recommend!

thevanishinghalf's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

samthefaekiller's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

mimimilaa's review

3.0

*3.5 stars