Reviews

This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell

cnolz's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

Enjoyed it to start with. Then there were too many character perspectives and it got a bit boring for me as there wasn’t much plot 

msilkwolfe's review against another edition

5.0

I almost gave this four stars but I can’t stop thinking about it so I bumped it up. Also, the skill that it takes it to execute this multigenerational, multi-perspective narrative is incredible. I just love a good family saga!! What is it about them that is so emotional and engrossing? She so eloquently writes about the twists and turns of life in a way that leaves me reeling.

jesslolsen's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 stars : 3 stars for the writing and 2 stars for the storyline

I have loved other books by Maggie O’Farrell, and I started off loving this one too (the writing just sucks me In and I’m transported) however I just kept dragging my feet reading this and kept thinking “hurry up and get to the point!”

The multiple POV didn’t work for me, neither did the multiple timeframes. I appreciate it was a different way to do things but it made it harder for me to understand the thread of the story.

keldir's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

timna_wyckoff's review against another edition

5.0

Oh, I just enjoy this author's books SO MUCH! I love the blend of fast-paced plot and great writing, and the balance of characters who feel very real with a story that has delightful puzzles and coincidences.

shareen17's review against another edition

4.0

This book sort of tells the story of a marriage, but through out of sequence important events that helped form who the husband and wife are, often from the point of view of other people in their lives. Each event told has emotional weight. I enjoyed the storytelling of this book.

vickers88's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

natashaanson's review

hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

angelamichelle's review against another edition

5.0

*spoilers* This book was devastating. I immediately loved the main character, and then was heartbroken by him—as was everyone else he encountered. I spend the second third just mourning that love him though we do, his state was just not good enough. Not good enough to be a father or husband or even a human.

It was a fascinating structure, dipping into the pov of the wide cast of characters, and some one-time appearances as well. Giving a sort of fractalized view. The author is amazing at sketching the characters so quickly that you’re invested in just a few paragraphs.

avtoxo's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5