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woodenpersonality's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
_marian_'s review against another edition
4.0
Un libro tierno y sentimental al que da vida una miríada de peculiares personajes. ❤️
myrthekorf's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ngominh's review
4.0
Có nét hao hao hạnh phúc của một tang gia. Với cuốn sách này Lyudmila Ulitskaya đã khắc họa số phận của những người Nga lưu vọng, những khác biệt và hành trình hòa nhập của họ với nước Mỹ. Cũng như thường lệ, sự đồng cảm và những tình yêu vượt trên sắc dục hèn kém là điểm đẹp nhất trong văn chương của bà, lại một lần nữa hiện lên.
hikemogan's review
5.0
This book captures a specific moment in time and a place so vividly that I felt like I knew the characters. Given the title, I hope I'm not giving anything away that the main character's death alongside the fall of the Soviet Union are the only plot points. The real reason to read this book is the detail (and at the same time, the withholding of details) surrounding the character's lives leading up to the few days described in the novel. It's a really beautiful book.
shelleyanderson4127's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
You don't read this novel for the author's message. If there was a message it went over this reader's head.
But message doesn't matter in this case. You read this novel for a slice of Russian émigré life in New York City, for the eccentric cast of characters and their quirky, yet recognizable humanity. You read to learn more about Alik, an artist with an irrepressible lust for life, who is now on his death bed in a shabby New York City apartment. Gathered around him is his child-like, alcoholic wife Nina; his current lover, Valentina; and his ex-lover Irina, a former circus acrobat who now practices law. There's also Irina's misanthropic daughter Maika; a rabbi who doesn't speak a word of Russian; a Russian doctor who can't get licensed in the US because of his lack of English; a friendly Russian Orthodox priest; and an assortment of strangers.
In short, it's a mad house, but a mad house full of interesting stories. Which is why, if you are like me, you will gobble up this book in one day. I would compare this book to eating an entire batch of chocolate chip cookies in one go. You can't stop because of the pleasure even after the sugar rush hits and you ask yourself why you are doing this.
But message doesn't matter in this case. You read this novel for a slice of Russian émigré life in New York City, for the eccentric cast of characters and their quirky, yet recognizable humanity. You read to learn more about Alik, an artist with an irrepressible lust for life, who is now on his death bed in a shabby New York City apartment. Gathered around him is his child-like, alcoholic wife Nina; his current lover, Valentina; and his ex-lover Irina, a former circus acrobat who now practices law. There's also Irina's misanthropic daughter Maika; a rabbi who doesn't speak a word of Russian; a Russian doctor who can't get licensed in the US because of his lack of English; a friendly Russian Orthodox priest; and an assortment of strangers.
In short, it's a mad house, but a mad house full of interesting stories. Which is why, if you are like me, you will gobble up this book in one day. I would compare this book to eating an entire batch of chocolate chip cookies in one go. You can't stop because of the pleasure even after the sugar rush hits and you ask yourself why you are doing this.
jelliestars's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Mental illness, and Medical content
Minor: Ableism, Homophobia, Pregnancy, Rape, Alcoholism, Colonisation, Sexual content, Antisemitism, Drug use, Racism, Religious bigotry, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Miscarriage, War, and Cursing