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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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:
Complicated
Ooft. This one fucked me up good. No matter how much I read on the 1980s AIDS crisis, it will never not shock me that entire communities of gay men were literally disappearing and the US government stood idly by. Makkai addresses these well trodden themes with new perspective and some gorgeous writing. An absolute knock out.
P.S.I would actually die for Yale, what an angel
P.S.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was the easiest 5 star rating I’ve ever given. Such a beautiful, heart wrenching and devastating story. I would recommend this read to anyone; as we all need to become more educated and compassionate towards others. We all need to actively listen more. We all need to learn not to take life or your loved ones for granted.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
1980’s in Chicago during the AIDS crisis and 2015 in Paris. Some of the same characters through the two time periods. Well done.
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-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:
No
Book Review The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
This book offers a heart wrenching glimpse into the terror and grief that engulfed the gay community during the 1980’s as the AIDS crisis unfolded and they helplessly watched the slow, painful deaths of friends and lovers; often accompanied by persecution, shame and inadequate care. The novel serves as both a political and social commentary, highlighting the government and medical system’s refusal to acknowledge the crisis or fund research, the efforts of insurance companies to deny care and the widespread public homophobia and blame.
The novel intertwines two timelines. The first follows Yale and his tightly knit group of friends as they navigate profound loss and mounting fear surrounding the epidemic. The novel vividly immerses you in their world, capturing the fear, apprehension, anger and grief with striking emotional depth. Her character development is exceptional and you feel deeply connected to the characters despite the large ensemble.
The second story line follows Fiona, the younger sister of Nico, one of Yales friends. She adopts a motherly role within this group and decades later, travels to Paris in an attempt to reconnect with her estranged daughter. Through Fiona’s journey, the long term ripple effects of the epidemic is explored, revealing how trauma and loss extended far beyond the gay community itself.
This is an eloquent and powerful examination of a devastating era. It offers historical insight, but also a deeply human portrayal of resilience, grief and the lasting impact of collective trauma.