laurahastoomanywips's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Mixed feelings for this, some interesting bits some drawn out boring bits. Think the book was about 200 pages too long.
Also huge "ick" feelings about Henry visiting Clare when she was six, slightly pedophilic vibes.
Also huge "ick" feelings about Henry visiting Clare when she was six, slightly pedophilic vibes.
mikimiki25's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Miscarriage
mandler_'s review
4.0
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Rounded up to 4 stars
I actually really liked the snapshots and interesting timeline of this book. Everything was told from the perspective of the progressing present. At least with the audiobook, it was easy to understand who was speaking and in what time we were in.
The messages about loss, family, time, and life are very cute! I liked this book! Sure, it's dated and has stereotypical presentations of minorities with racist descriptions. It spoke to me on a few different levels, and I liked the book
Quotes:
“Don't you think it's better to be extremely happy for a short while, even if you lose it, than to be just okay for your whole life?”
“Love the world and yourself in it, move through it as though it offers no resistance, as though the world is your natural element.”
“It’s dark now and I am very tired. I love you, always. Time is nothing.”
“Why is love intensified by absence?”
“Time is priceless, but it’s Free. You can't own it, you can use it. You can spend it. But you can't keep it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.”
“We laugh and laugh, and nothing can ever be sad, no one can be lost, or dead, or far away: right now we are here, and nothing can mar our perfection, or steal the joy of this perfect moment.”
Rounded up to 4 stars
I actually really liked the snapshots and interesting timeline of this book. Everything was told from the perspective of the progressing present. At least with the audiobook, it was easy to understand who was speaking and in what time we were in.
The messages about loss, family, time, and life are very cute! I liked this book! Sure, it's dated and has stereotypical presentations of minorities with racist descriptions. It spoke to me on a few different levels, and I liked the book
Quotes:
“Don't you think it's better to be extremely happy for a short while, even if you lose it, than to be just okay for your whole life?”
“Love the world and yourself in it, move through it as though it offers no resistance, as though the world is your natural element.”
“It’s dark now and I am very tired. I love you, always. Time is nothing.”
“Why is love intensified by absence?”
“Time is priceless, but it’s Free. You can't own it, you can use it. You can spend it. But you can't keep it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.”
“We laugh and laugh, and nothing can ever be sad, no one can be lost, or dead, or far away: right now we are here, and nothing can mar our perfection, or steal the joy of this perfect moment.”
lainemg's review against another edition
5.0
My absolute favorite book I've read so far this year. So many beautiful moments, big and small. Lots of unexpectedly literary sentences nestled within larger paragraphs of more general description. Would love to close read this!! I cried for the last 50 pages. Will read again and again.
thewritebooks's review
5.0
Clare and Henry (the protagonist couple of the story) have- and will always have- a special place in my heart. I have re-read this more times than I can count and I sob my heart out every time.
The theme of time and romance are woven together in an ongoing cycle of dramatic irony as adult Henry experiences encounters with his wife Clare that for her took place when she was little.
I’m yet to find another book like it.
The theme of time and romance are woven together in an ongoing cycle of dramatic irony as adult Henry experiences encounters with his wife Clare that for her took place when she was little.
I’m yet to find another book like it.
elisweets's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I think the concept of the story is very interesting, but I think it could've been written without the large amount of weird grooming moments that exist. He could've been a genuine mentor, but I find it strange that the author had to include that Clare knew she'd marry him and only him a long time. It doesn't give sad romanticism to me. It gives a sad creepy overtone to the whole story for me. I also found the ending disappointing.
orygunn's review against another edition
5.0
A lovely take on the love story. The audio performers were wonderful and helped shape the story immensely. Not sure the last chapter was needed.
msvenner's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book but I think all those who read it before me spoiled it. I think I just kept looking for more and it didn't deliver. That said, it is a highly original love story and a good read.