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novabird's review against another edition
4.0
If forest fires are a natural way of enriching the soil once more to allow for growth, then this analogy of a world on fire doesn't quite work, for me. Lovely and substantial in a very grounding way it was beautiful to feel myself walking with the characters out on the landscape. It was however, like Ms Bush was afraid to take the next step and articulate a philsophical position where one was defintely called for. It seemed like she capitulated not only to manmade mechanisms but also to natural powers. As though being a human was simply too complex for this world she created. She almost went there, though and for that and the beauty of the natural settings I give it a 4.5.
bcgoakander's review against another edition
3.0
Torn by the 3 stars but just too disappointed for 4. The premise and setup of this book, so deeply ingrained in Shakespeare's Tempest, are exquisite. The new lives conceived for these old characters are provocative and intriguing. Unfortunately... Very little delivery is achieved. I didn't care at all about the flashbacks; had no idea what analog for Ariel was occurring; had no reason to doubt Caleb nor to trust Frank. I wish I wasn't so disappointed but I am. Where is the exploration of true-vs-imaginary monstrosity in the mixed-race Caleb? Where is the secret reveal of Milan's fall from grace? Where is the feminist awakening of a Miranda, sheltered from reality by her father and brought to life by a visitor who informs her of more? Where is the conflict between Caleb and Miranda? What was Sylvia doing there? Such a waste. There is a story here but not a theme or message. I wanted so badly to like this book and was so bitterly disappointed by the lack of plot and resolution. I thank the author for my recent study of The Tempest, though, that I might better appreciate its lesser adaptations in the future.
hollygoltly's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
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
1.0
abbybishop's review against another edition
1.0
I would’ve dnf’ed this book if it wasn’t for a class. I didn’t understand what was going on most of the time. I’m not sure if it was because the writing was bad or if it was because I was so bored and drifting off. There were way too many characters to keep track of. And that ending?? It wasn’t really an ending at all. Save your time and skip it!
beehoule2's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
3.75
secanno's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
3.0
marsha1268's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
stephanielam27's review against another edition
2.0
Would DNF if I didn’t have to read this for class. Plot, timing, and relationships were all over the place. I had a hard time following the multiple storylines. There were too many characters, none of whom felt fully fleshed out/ established enough. Some really awkward sentences. I laughed when Caleb threatened to set the place on fire, then just kinda...left? Disappeared off the face of the Earth??
1 star for the beautiful imagery of the island and the wind though.
1 star for the beautiful imagery of the island and the wind though.