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wouterk's review
4.0
A beautiful novel about grief, recovery, love and togetherness that takes place against the background of the aftermath of the second World War. Winman uses dreamy, beautiful prose to bring us a story where the lines between reality, memories and dreams blur, while still maintaining a recognizable story line. A story line, where several character arcs are well interwoven, have an engaging premise and come to a satisfying conclusion.
I love the group of characters that Winman created. Marvellous ways, is truly that, a marvel. She shows us the important things in life and also how they contrast with the narrow-mindedness of society at large and many people in it. So much wisdom is missed by judging too soon and using useless rules and norms. At the same time, this story shows the beauty that can come from opening up to each other. Loving what you truly love, living your feelings and going through, rather than avoid trauma and grief.
I think the prose is artful. I also think it would be a fair warning that if you either are unable to or dislike reading a lot of metaphors, symbolism and interesting wordplay, this book will not be for you. Even though I really liked it, at some times, I found it hard to follow where in the story we were, but I feel that improved as the book continued.
All in all, would definitely recommend to anybody that has affinity with flowery prose. And would recommend to try to any who can tolerate it.
I love the group of characters that Winman created. Marvellous ways, is truly that, a marvel. She shows us the important things in life and also how they contrast with the narrow-mindedness of society at large and many people in it. So much wisdom is missed by judging too soon and using useless rules and norms. At the same time, this story shows the beauty that can come from opening up to each other. Loving what you truly love, living your feelings and going through, rather than avoid trauma and grief.
I think the prose is artful. I also think it would be a fair warning that if you either are unable to or dislike reading a lot of metaphors, symbolism and interesting wordplay, this book will not be for you. Even though I really liked it, at some times, I found it hard to follow where in the story we were, but I feel that improved as the book continued.
All in all, would definitely recommend to anybody that has affinity with flowery prose. And would recommend to try to any who can tolerate it.
sadiebooks's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
dhruvc's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mel_jackson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
geegee_74's review against another edition
2.0
Not for me. The characters and sense of place was good, both in London and Cornwall, but the author's writing style was too whimsical for me to engage with the story.
sofiaolen's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
minnietimperley's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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
3.0
isabellatgood's review against another edition
5.0
I loved it, really moving and beautifully written