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samging's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Heartbreaking.
Vlautin once again manages to write a deeply moving book.
He mixes his style up here and some people don't like it but it really works for me.
You have to squint a bit harder to see the hope In this one but it is there.
Sometimes people are kind. I think that's what his books boil down too
willaremi's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
geisttull's review against another edition
4.0
Very interesting, well written book. also very political. the characters are likable albeit sad and desperate. my heart went out to them.
richardleis's review against another edition
5.0
The Free follows the difficult lives of three protagonists, including a young war veteran, a nurse, and a caretaker at a group home. Their difficulties stem from health issues, lack of medical insurance, bills, difficult family members, and bureaucratic institutions that promote an American Dream but abandon people at any hint of trouble. Despite their emotionally and physically draining personal challenges, the characters are heroic, not just in surviving day to day, but in trying to help out others. The help, unfortunately, is not always successful, leading to some very bleak moments in the novel.
While definitely heartbreaking and emotional, the book manages to avoid sentimentalism and even to be hopefully. There are not always happy endings to the intertwined story lines, but by the end of the novel some of the characters have found new beginnings and new frames of mind that will hopefully lead them to better lives.
There are science fiction elements in a story within the story related to the veteran. This seems to be there there more for character building than anything else, but it also provides an interesting mirror-like reflection of the very real challenges facing each character. The author uses other devices like dreams that provide some psychological insight into the characters and repetition to demonstrate that the various challenges are relentless and daily. In effect, these and other elements heighten the realism of the novel. Vlautin's language is concise, efficient, and very visual.
While definitely heartbreaking and emotional, the book manages to avoid sentimentalism and even to be hopefully. There are not always happy endings to the intertwined story lines, but by the end of the novel some of the characters have found new beginnings and new frames of mind that will hopefully lead them to better lives.
There are science fiction elements in a story within the story related to the veteran. This seems to be there there more for character building than anything else, but it also provides an interesting mirror-like reflection of the very real challenges facing each character. The author uses other devices like dreams that provide some psychological insight into the characters and repetition to demonstrate that the various challenges are relentless and daily. In effect, these and other elements heighten the realism of the novel. Vlautin's language is concise, efficient, and very visual.
rmarcin's review against another edition
4.0
The Free follows three people as they struggle through situations in their life, dealing with various issues: PTSD, a failing economy, drug abuse, runaways, medical care, and the toll the issues take. Beautifully written.
First is Leroy, an Iraqi war veteran who tries to commit suicide. While in the hospital, he has vivid dreams about his girlfriend, Jeanette. His mother, Darla, sits vigil at his side reading him science fiction novels.
Next is Freddie who works two jobs to try to stay afloat. Freddie works in the group home where Leroy resides. He finds Leroy after the suicide attempt. Freddie also works at a paint store, where the owner, a religious zealot, does nothing to keep the store a success. If it weren’t for Freddie, the store would fail. Freddie needs money because his youngest daughter has a medical issue, and his wife has left him. Now, Freddie is in danger of losing his house in addition to losing his family.
Finally, Pauline is a nurse at the hospital caring for Leroy, as well as a teenage runaway, Jo. Pauline becomes super involved with Jo, and tries to rescue Jo. Pauline also cares for her own father who doesn’t bathe or eat without Pauline’s influence.
First is Leroy, an Iraqi war veteran who tries to commit suicide. While in the hospital, he has vivid dreams about his girlfriend, Jeanette. His mother, Darla, sits vigil at his side reading him science fiction novels.
Next is Freddie who works two jobs to try to stay afloat. Freddie works in the group home where Leroy resides. He finds Leroy after the suicide attempt. Freddie also works at a paint store, where the owner, a religious zealot, does nothing to keep the store a success. If it weren’t for Freddie, the store would fail. Freddie needs money because his youngest daughter has a medical issue, and his wife has left him. Now, Freddie is in danger of losing his house in addition to losing his family.
Finally, Pauline is a nurse at the hospital caring for Leroy, as well as a teenage runaway, Jo. Pauline becomes super involved with Jo, and tries to rescue Jo. Pauline also cares for her own father who doesn’t bathe or eat without Pauline’s influence.
carolpk's review against another edition
4.0
Read The Free on recommendation of several friends. I thoroughly enjoyed Vlautin's construction of story and the weaving of said with his three beautifully rendered characters. It's amazing how an author can portray such hard luck cases and still leave the reader with hope and joy. Character, Iraq war veteran, Leroy Kervin, and his journey is magnificent. 4 stars all the way.
bluestraveler's review against another edition
4.0
Don't call me your baby
I'm nobody's baby
I won't let you cage me
Or lock me away
I'm nobody's baby
I won't let you cage me
Or lock me away
manaledi's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the way the three story lines intersected on occasion, but didn't merge into one. I found myself thinking it through even after finishing the book to draw the parallels and remember the meetings and think about why those people and their lives.
dennyyy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
just wow
elleneam's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting wee book about ordinary Americans getting by. The characters are very relate able, however the plot does kind of potter on and go no where (although perhaps this was on purpose to reflect ordinary life?). There are gripping parts to the story, which drifts between the narratives of several characters, especially the dreams of encomatosed Leroy who imagines a dystopian world where he is hunted by 'the free'.