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missyjohnson's review against another edition
4.0
My rating is 4.5 stars. Started reading a hard copy of this book that had been on my TBR shelf for quite a few years. Accidentally left the book in the travel trailer and had to get a kindle edition to finish. Glad for the kindle edition because there were so many words that I had to look up the definition for. I love books that challenge me to learn new words and at the same time tells a good story. This book was a good one to end the year with. The story begins in the 1930’s. Sammy Klayman lives with his mother and grandmother in NYC. Josef Kavalier lives in Prague with his parents, younger brother and grandfather. Hitler has begun his takeover in Czech. and the moving of Jews to specific neighborhoods. Josef is able to make his way to NY to live with the Klaymans with the help of his old teacher of magic tricks. Sammy and Joe hit it off with each other immediately and together offer up the idea of a new comic book hero “the Escapist” to Sammy’s employers. Joe draws beautifully and Sammy has the imagination to write the stories for the subsequent comic books. Joe tries to get his family out of the danger of Hitler but keeps hitting hurdles. Joe meets Rosa. Sammy knows that he is attracted to men but cannot let anyone know due to negative reactions and consequences. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Joe discovering that a German u-boat sunk the ship that was carrying his brother Thomas to safety, he joins the Canadian Navy. He is stationed in Antartica, there is a tragedy with a gas stove, he abandons all communication with anyone and ignores letters from Rosa. Rosa gives birth to Joe’s son and names him Thomas. She marries Sammy because that helps her to not be discriminated against for being an unwed mother and helps Sammy because he cannot come out of the closet.
Sammy and Joe’s stories are funny, sad, heartbreaking and frustrating.
Sammy and Joe’s stories are funny, sad, heartbreaking and frustrating.
eb2114's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kdawn999's review against another edition
4.0
This book was exciting on a couple of levels—sprawling narrative on the margins of WWII, exciting Houdini-esque escape attempts, the nascent art of comics and graphic novels, and reflection on what heroes and golems are for. There was not a moment I was bored. The writing is clever and packed with witty references. A few criticisms from our book club included a very poorly written moment describing the aftermath of a rape (we all hated this moment, and we generally thought Chabon’s handling of homosexuality in this book was trite) and some awkward time jumps that skipped over important years. But overall for me this was a delightful read. I read it alongside Maus I&II, which were strong supplemental material to this.
ingread27's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! I read it years ago, almost 15 even. I lent it to someone and actually bought a second copy when it didn't get returned. Not that I've read it again - but maybe one day. I recall being completely absorbed in this story from cover to cover. Humour and sadness all rolled together. Great read!
narpetcards's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
maura_kathleen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
skmcclelland's review against another edition
3.0
It was a long time ago and I remember really liking it... so much so that seven years later, I forced my husband to read it too. Of course, when he wanted to talk about it, I couldn't remember anything, so perhaps it's time for a re-read.
gdairaghi's review against another edition
4.0
Striking sentences, detailed historical context, emotional plot lines and character development. I did feel my engagement waning at points
lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It has everything. Superheroes. Magicians. Historical fiction. Good story. Up until the last third of this book it was a 5. No doubt. The last bit jumps through time it was hard for me to keep up. It got less lighthearted and much slower. Overall loved.