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16thedition's review against another edition
2.0
Too slow for me. Way too much detail without plot progress. Gave up after 400 pages (there was another 400 to go!).
lesleymac18's review against another edition
5.0
*There aren't REALLY spoilers in here but for some context, some parts of the plot are mentioned* This read of The Way the Crow Flies was my second or third read-through, and I'm glad that I read it again because I'm at a very different place in life as an adult than I was when I read previously, and my perspective on it changed a lot, and I also definitely blocked some things entirely out, which makes sense given the content. But oddly - despite forgetting a lot of the story - I've told many people throughout the years that this was one of my favourite books. So obviously it brought out really strong feelings in me that perhaps I couldn't identify entirely on the first read. If you can believe it, I first read this book as a 14-year-old, possibly 13! Yikes. (I was reading well above my grade level and my parents were very bad at censoring what I chose, LOL). Now for the actual content: I love the Canadiana landscape that MacDonald paints throughout the novel, and as someone who was born well after the Cold War (but had parents who lived through the
The 60s, '70s, '80s, etc.) her descriptions of their home lives, their friends, their inner monologues, and even their clothing, created a time capsule in my mind's eye of an era and place I'll never be able to experience as a Canadian, yet I felt like I was there. The way the book delves into father-daughter relationships and the subtle hints of her lesbianism (you can catch it really early if you can relate to some of Madaline's inner thoughts yourself...lol) are what make this book such a strong emotional read to me. Molestation and murder of a child are hard topics to cover, and there are some detailed sexual assault scenes in the book that are uncomfortable, so be sure you're prepared to read that element before you pick it up. I agree with many other reviews (though some are quite dramatic about it and I do not think it was THAT bad) that the book slows towards the end when we are seeing life in the '80s with Madaline as a 30+-year-old, but I would argue that the way in which she depicts her processing her grief and trauma is quite accurate, it takes time. That, and I get the vibe from some reviews that there's a bit of internal bias happening in regards to being disinterested in reading about the adult life of a lesbian...ahem. I personally really enjoyed reading about her life, career, and relationships. So, the slower pace of the tail end of the book was not bad enough to take away my stellar 5-star rating. There is also quite a major twist at the end and while you may feel confident in your ability to play "whodunnit" and win, the reveal may surprise (and sicken) you.
The 60s, '70s, '80s, etc.) her descriptions of their home lives, their friends, their inner monologues, and even their clothing, created a time capsule in my mind's eye of an era and place I'll never be able to experience as a Canadian, yet I felt like I was there. The way the book delves into father-daughter relationships and the subtle hints of her lesbianism (you can catch it really early if you can relate to some of Madaline's inner thoughts yourself...lol) are what make this book such a strong emotional read to me. Molestation and murder of a child are hard topics to cover, and there are some detailed sexual assault scenes in the book that are uncomfortable, so be sure you're prepared to read that element before you pick it up. I agree with many other reviews (though some are quite dramatic about it and I do not think it was THAT bad) that the book slows towards the end when we are seeing life in the '80s with Madaline as a 30+-year-old, but I would argue that the way in which she depicts her processing her grief and trauma is quite accurate, it takes time. That, and I get the vibe from some reviews that there's a bit of internal bias happening in regards to being disinterested in reading about the adult life of a lesbian...ahem. I personally really enjoyed reading about her life, career, and relationships. So, the slower pace of the tail end of the book was not bad enough to take away my stellar 5-star rating. There is also quite a major twist at the end and while you may feel confident in your ability to play "whodunnit" and win, the reveal may surprise (and sicken) you.
melzer's review against another edition
4.0
This book took me a while to get into, but I was really happy when it did. It caught my attention and I wanted to keep reading.
However at the end, I didn't really like who Madeline turned into in the last section. She really annoyed me for some reason.
But all in all, I think the middle made up for it and I would recommend this book.
However at the end, I didn't really like who Madeline turned into in the last section. She really annoyed me for some reason.
But all in all, I think the middle made up for it and I would recommend this book.
leasa's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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? Yes
4.5
elisabeth1st's review against another edition
4.0
I read this 750 something page book in one sitting on a flight home from Greece. The time period of late 50s early 60s touched home with me and the main character, an 8 year old girl, drew me in. The time period is innocent but there are many foreboding issues interwoven throughout the story. I think readers of all ages would like it but those familiar with the pop culture of the time will be most struck by the book.
tullyndmom's review against another edition
3.0
Trigger warnings for those who need to know what they’re getting into.
Spoiler
This book contains scenes of child sexual molestation.
I probably wouldn’t have chosen to read it if I’d known.
Otherwise it was beautifully crafted and extremely well written. It’s somewhat slow moving at times but I’m not one to say it could have been shorter - I don’t know what could really have been cut without losing the richness of the prose. Well worth the read if you can stomach the above triggers.
Spoiler
This book contains scenes of child sexual molestation.
I probably wouldn’t have chosen to read it if I’d known.
Otherwise it was beautifully crafted and extremely well written. It’s somewhat slow moving at times but I’m not one to say it could have been shorter - I don’t know what could really have been cut without losing the richness of the prose. Well worth the read if you can stomach the above triggers.
aoutramafalda's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing graphic novel, with beautiful watercolour type artwork. The story occurs in France during the WW II.
vhop's review against another edition
5.0
Olipa tarina. Voisi sanoa, että ”elämää suurempi romaani”. Tätä on vaikea edes arvostella, mutta sanottakoon, että oli melkoista tunteiden vuoristorataa jopa kaltaiselleni tunteellisuutta karttavalle lukijalle. On nautinnollista lukea hyvin kirjoitettua tarinaa, jossa on sekä mukaansatempaava juoni että syvempää tematiikkaa, joka saa lukijan pohtimaan muutakin kuin ”mitähän seuraavaksi tapahtuu”.
jessicaatreides's review against another edition
3.0
I had a love/hate thing with this book. It was good and yet wasn't. It started really slow but since I liked the author's writing style I kept at it. The characters were good and the over all plot was promising. It did get good for awhile then it just couldn't hold my attention. I found myself just wishing it was over. Finally, I just skipped to the very end as I had no patience left. I found it just to be wayyyy to long.