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4.45 AVERAGE
4.45 AVERAGE
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.
LOVED this book - only took me so long bc I had a week's work that didn't allow reading time. It's the kind of book you have to sit with and think about for a few days before moving on to something else. Fabulous story and character development, and - if you like audio books - a terrific narration.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
emotional
sad
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
emotional
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:
Yes
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
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
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Terribly tragic. A light shining onto the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s. A forgotten, covered up time period thanks to Regan. Also about a main characters fight to find and repair her relationship with her daughter. Tragic. Sad. A good read. Historical.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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