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maisie1717's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
anastri's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jedisuckerpunch's review against another edition
2.0
Not that bad. I thought it would completely revolve around Sigmund Freud, but not really. Well, sort of, maybe. The book does contain quite a lot of facts of times during 1909 and the following years. The author does a good job mentioning what is fiction and what is not in the author's note.It did contain so many characters and plots that often it'd be confusing and you'd have to go back and check on who's who. Nevertheless, if you're looking for an easy read,I suppose this book will do.
carolynf's review against another edition
2.0
The best part about this book was the early 1900s New York City color that was added in whole paragraphs, entirely separate from the plot. Little factoids about telephones and buildings and cars. The actual plot, not so much. Freud is visiting the US and is pretty unknown. Carl Jung is along for the ride, and is creepy and psycho as it is possible to be without being locked up. Just as Jung’s behavior starts making Freud look pretty good in comparison, Freud starts saying things like, “I’m sure the 14 year old girl was not actually repulsed by the gross old man sticking his tongue down her throat. Obviously she was extremely turned on by this, and was repulsed only by her recognition of her own desires.” I know a little about Freud’s ideas, not enough to evaluate whether this portrayal of him (or Jung) is accurate. But either way – ew.
While these two are hanging out in New York City, there are some Horrible Crimes involving local heiress nymphets. The central nymphet in the book is only seventeen, but speaks and acts like a grown woman. Another woman who is a key figure in the book is in her late 20s, but refers back to her being a just married 19 year old yet acting with total self-confidence as well as a very savvy knowledge of other people. 1909 NYC is apparently heavily populated with Old Soul debutantes and pervy old men.
The unraveling off the crimes is confusing. I’m not going to put in spoilers, but it seemed like there were conflicting versions of events, changing motives, and several plot holes. For example, there is one part were a guy is driving his own carriage, sees something, and freaks out. I don’t think we ever get a clear idea of why he gets so upset. But we DO get pages and pages of him reacting badly to whatever he saw, and taking it out on the carriage horse. The poor animal is hitched to a nearby construction crane, hoisted WAY up in the air, panicked and screaming. Eventually the crane pulls some iron girders into the partially constructed building, all the men fall off, some probably die, and then everyone goes home and has tea and forgets about it. The randomness of this scene is pretty typical of the whole book.
While these two are hanging out in New York City, there are some Horrible Crimes involving local heiress nymphets. The central nymphet in the book is only seventeen, but speaks and acts like a grown woman. Another woman who is a key figure in the book is in her late 20s, but refers back to her being a just married 19 year old yet acting with total self-confidence as well as a very savvy knowledge of other people. 1909 NYC is apparently heavily populated with Old Soul debutantes and pervy old men.
The unraveling off the crimes is confusing. I’m not going to put in spoilers, but it seemed like there were conflicting versions of events, changing motives, and several plot holes. For example, there is one part were a guy is driving his own carriage, sees something, and freaks out. I don’t think we ever get a clear idea of why he gets so upset. But we DO get pages and pages of him reacting badly to whatever he saw, and taking it out on the carriage horse. The poor animal is hitched to a nearby construction crane, hoisted WAY up in the air, panicked and screaming. Eventually the crane pulls some iron girders into the partially constructed building, all the men fall off, some probably die, and then everyone goes home and has tea and forgets about it. The randomness of this scene is pretty typical of the whole book.
jamesvw's review against another edition
3.0
At its best when parading the authors incredible historical knowledge as well as insights into Shakespeare and Freud, the novel itself is lacking in consistent characters. It also stumbles over its manipulation of the reader, throwing up enough red herrings that the blinders forced upon the reader is irritatingly palpable throughout.
thelazylion's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kingfan30's review against another edition
4.0
Just finished this book and really enjoyed it. I loved the fact that you get an idea of how each member of the family feels about the various situations they find themselves in, it goes to show that not everyone see things the same way. I am now looking forward to reading White Teeth (on Mt TBR) as most of the reviews I have read for this book, say how much better White Teeth is.
mariasbooknook1's review against another edition
4.0
I learned so much about Freud and his theories so not only was it an exciting crime read but also very educational
amatterofplot's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a really pleasant surprise!
Have to admit my reading it started out a tad half-heartedly -the possible complexity of the subject matter looming, threateningly, ahead. Once I got my teeth in, however, I just couldn't stop.
The book is not "heavy" at all & -if you can find it in your heart to ignore the, slightly disturbing, images Freud's Oedipal complex brings to mind- I believe you'll find it to be a cleverly crafted & gloriously twisted whodunit...
Have to admit my reading it started out a tad half-heartedly -the possible complexity of the subject matter looming, threateningly, ahead. Once I got my teeth in, however, I just couldn't stop.
The book is not "heavy" at all & -if you can find it in your heart to ignore the, slightly disturbing, images Freud's Oedipal complex brings to mind- I believe you'll find it to be a cleverly crafted & gloriously twisted whodunit...