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mbkarapcik's review
3.0
A famous poet discusses the poem that made her famous and how her extended family inspired it.
I liked this book for many reasons — the plot, most of the characters, and the unique way that the story unfolded. I enjoyed the author’s writing style, which flowed and described scenes and emotions without being too verbose, just vivid. And I love reading a good old family saga.
However, I did have some issues with the trajectories of some characters’ stories. They did not follow how I expected the characters to act, and one could argue that people always behave in unexpected ways, even in real life, but their fundamental traits were altered in ways that seemed false.
I don’t understand why one of the characters who never expressed any other desire than to be a caretaker for her family and was content and defended her life choices to everyone else is suddenly unhappy. Although she was grieving her brother, it was implausible that she decides to become an actress (a highly and unrealistically successful one at an advanced age) and date a bunch of men. Sometimes, women ARE happy just being a caretaker for their families and feeling satisfied with their life’s work. I guess you could also argue that she didn’t sow her wild oats as a young woman, but the character just didn’t strike me that way, and it would be refreshing to have her character choose the caretaker path instead.
Another device used that I did not think worked was the flash forward of the main character to a time when she’s a renown and talented poet speaking to a crowd in an auditorium. She talks about who the characters in one of her poetry collections really is, and I didn’t understand why she was so fixated by her or how a book of poetry became so popular in the first place. I thought her blog sounded more financially viable and interesting ala Carrie of Sex and the City.
During the seminar, they kept hearing sirens like the current time period in the future was the apocalypse or near the end of times. I didn’t see what the point was for incorporating that sci-fi element into the story, and the device kind of dies out without any significant reason for it to be there.
Despite my complaints, I did enjoy reading this and would definitely read another of the author’s books. 3.5 Stars
I liked this book for many reasons — the plot, most of the characters, and the unique way that the story unfolded. I enjoyed the author’s writing style, which flowed and described scenes and emotions without being too verbose, just vivid. And I love reading a good old family saga.
However, I did have some issues with the trajectories of some characters’ stories. They did not follow how I expected the characters to act, and one could argue that people always behave in unexpected ways, even in real life, but their fundamental traits were altered in ways that seemed false.
I don’t understand why one of the characters who never expressed any other desire than to be a caretaker for her family and was content and defended her life choices to everyone else is suddenly unhappy. Although she was grieving her brother, it was implausible that she decides to become an actress (a highly and unrealistically successful one at an advanced age) and date a bunch of men. Sometimes, women ARE happy just being a caretaker for their families and feeling satisfied with their life’s work. I guess you could also argue that she didn’t sow her wild oats as a young woman, but the character just didn’t strike me that way, and it would be refreshing to have her character choose the caretaker path instead.
Another device used that I did not think worked was the flash forward of the main character to a time when she’s a renown and talented poet speaking to a crowd in an auditorium. She talks about who the characters in one of her poetry collections really is, and I didn’t understand why she was so fixated by her or how a book of poetry became so popular in the first place. I thought her blog sounded more financially viable and interesting ala Carrie of Sex and the City.
During the seminar, they kept hearing sirens like the current time period in the future was the apocalypse or near the end of times. I didn’t see what the point was for incorporating that sci-fi element into the story, and the device kind of dies out without any significant reason for it to be there.
Despite my complaints, I did enjoy reading this and would definitely read another of the author’s books. 3.5 Stars
katsloane's review against another edition
reflective
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kparry's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
lovelydm95's review
4.0
This is a beautifully written novel about family and love. This a book about about real love, not flowery unrealistic love. It's well written and a portrait of family and relationships, how people handle difficult things.
Only fours stars for me because I thought that a few things could be more planned out and explained. There was lots of talk of poetry, but the author chose not to include any in the story which I found a bit disappointing. Every time the poetry was mentions I kept thinking ok this is where I get to see it, but no.
This was very good though. I would recommend it and will be interested to read more of this authors work.
Only fours stars for me because I thought that a few things could be more planned out and explained. There was lots of talk of poetry, but the author chose not to include any in the story which I found a bit disappointing. Every time the poetry was mentions I kept thinking ok this is where I get to see it, but no.
This was very good though. I would recommend it and will be interested to read more of this authors work.
erinamanda's review
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
booksconnectus's review
4.0
4.5 really. This book had everything-I just closed the cover and I am in awe..At times i felt like the author was doing too much-trying to fit everything in-a sweeping family saga-a story about where our world is headed if we don't get our consumer and disposable culture in control...a love story-actually many love stories....a warning against regrets and roads not taken and words not spoken, secrets kept and spilled...there was just so much and I was confused at times...but by the last page I was in tears and reading and Re-reading those last lines....I would like to immerse myself in the audio and re-live this story.....interested to know what others have thought.
sassysoles82's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ladytiara's review
5.0
4.5 stars, but I rounded up. Books about dysfunctional siblings are apparently my jam these days.
ggrillion's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5