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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
I picked this book up randomly from the library did not expect to love it. The characters were wonderfully developed and now I want to read Udall's other books.. This story stayed with me for a long time.
I found this book to be well written, but I had a lot of difficulty liking most of the characters.
His inside knowledge in Mormonism injects this story with believability. I actually felt like I could understand the "plight" of the polygamist more, including challenges I would have never thought of. But what I didn't like about the story is that it seemed to peak about 2/3 of the way through and then slowly drag on to a sort-of ending. Engaging read regardless. The word "adultery" really means different things to different people, including Fundamentalist Mormons.
Goodreads needs half stars, because I rounded up. The second half was much more interesting, and moved much quicker, than the first half. Not sure if *that* much exposition was necessary.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Man, I don't know how people live this lifestyle. I could never, never share my lover with other people. I could never survive in a house with 20+ kids or different women telling me what to do. This book really explored the loneliness of wanting love and feeling like there just isn't enough. Some of the characters are remarkable. All that being said, there are parts of the plot that don't seem to fit and kind of drove me nuts.
The writing was good, and I liked the characters and wanted to know what happens to them. But it's just too sad. For me. You know I don't do sad fiction!
A big hearted sprawling book about a man lost at the center of his many wives and children. The central dilemmas revolve around experiencing love for the first time and finding no good way to fit it in to the lives set out for them. Funny, sweet and sorrowful. A grand book.
Among the most original books I've read in some time (perhaps in part because I've only recently begun to catch up on fiction). A great story with (mostly) multidimensional characters. The only real drawback is that once this book's "Chekhov's gun" is revealed roughly halfway through, the ending became a bit too obvious for me. Still, that didn't take away from the enjoyment of reading. I'm definitely exploring more by this author.
Fun to read, interesting and something completely different.
Clearly a follower of John Irving, he builds his book carefully, combining lots of realism with a bit of unlikely events. Told from multiple perspectives, the story gives an insight in polygamous families. And like Irving he manages to combine horrible events with humour, without being distasteful.
Clearly a follower of John Irving, he builds his book carefully, combining lots of realism with a bit of unlikely events. Told from multiple perspectives, the story gives an insight in polygamous families. And like Irving he manages to combine horrible events with humour, without being distasteful.