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kristinvdt's review against another edition
3.0
There are many good things to say about this, but also some flaws in my opinion. The writing is good, but it's WAY too wordy. There are also several unneccessary storylines that make the book hard to follow and engage with, but I learned a lot. Parts of it are fun and charming. Parts awfully grotesque. It's a hard book to sum up.
nanio's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I thank god I have lived long enough to love you
donnaadouglas's review against another edition
5.0
I made the mistake of watching the movie before reading the book, and daresay, I was put off by it immensely. It took me an age to pick up and open this book. I quickly found that my initial prejudice was unfounded and that the book, in fact, was a delight to read. Bernieres creates characters who you immediately fall for, and you walk with them every step of the way.
Quotations I Liked
'Her mind emptied of anything but the vacuum of resignation that afflicts the hopeless in the imminence of death.'
'One can only forgive a sin after the sinner has finished committing it, because we cannot allow ourselves to condone it whilst it is still being perpetrated.'
Quotations I Liked
'Her mind emptied of anything but the vacuum of resignation that afflicts the hopeless in the imminence of death.'
'One can only forgive a sin after the sinner has finished committing it, because we cannot allow ourselves to condone it whilst it is still being perpetrated.'
andrejt's review against another edition
4.0
A tragic love story (or two, or three) set against the backdrop of a doomed war of conquest (or two, or three). The most brutal parts are inspired by the true history of the Italian and German occupation of the Greek island of Kefalonia during World War II. The lengthy and more philosophical epilogue turns the novel into a multigenerational story of loss and regret. An arguably high sugar content is offset by the author's irreverent and often ironic style. The prose is beautiful, but long-winded descriptions sometimes drag on and on.
sakelley's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t remember a lot about this book except it being low key existential and I loved it
thooha's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
vittorialikestoread13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
abimc's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
quiltmom14's review against another edition
5.0
This was beyond extraordinary the first time I read it years ago, and is still beyond extraordinary today! I combined reading with the audio - the narration is incredible! Must read…
bsmorris's review against another edition
5.0
This was a beautiful and touching story with a number of interesting and complex characters. Every mood is found here, from euphoric to despairing. The language is also lovely.