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evaribaker's review against another edition
3.0
This book was one of Barack Obama’s favorites of 2021. Many times I agree with his book assessments. Sometimes I don’t. This was a time we didn’t, but I won’t hold it against him. The writing was a bit meandering and the many plot lines seemed disparate and unnecessary.
barbaraalfond's review against another edition
3.0
I want to get one thing out of the way right off the bat. Seemingly, Ms. Kitamura has no intimacy with simple sentences and periods. Her use of commas made me not want to be particularly intimate with her novel, but the scene of dinner at the Mauritshuis won me over. That was fantastic!!!!
What was this extremely quiet book about? I think it was about how actions speak louder than words….in any language. It’s a book to be read in silence, I think, because attention must be paid. To say that it is a subtle novel is putting it mildly, but subtleties can sink ships, leaders, and romances, so don’t forget to stop, look, and listen.
What was this extremely quiet book about? I think it was about how actions speak louder than words….in any language. It’s a book to be read in silence, I think, because attention must be paid. To say that it is a subtle novel is putting it mildly, but subtleties can sink ships, leaders, and romances, so don’t forget to stop, look, and listen.
alwinburn's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cassandrat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A quick read, the book ended somewhat abruptly and open ended. The setting of the international court of The Hague was unique, and I picked up the book because it centered around experiences of an interpreter. Overall, it was interesting, and I enjoyed reading it.
That said, infidelity isn't really my thing. Most of the men in this book are abhorrent. Some side character men seem fine, but most aren't.
If you were to ask me what this book was about, I couldn't really tell you. Perhaps, the technicalities and rationalizations that cause us to betray some values in service of others. Overall, it was interesting, and I enjoyed reading it.
The writing follows the main character's thoughts and interpretations of events. There are no quotes, so it emphasizes that we are hearing a narrative from her recollection and perspective.
That said, infidelity isn't really my thing. Most of the men in this book are abhorrent. Some side character men seem fine, but most aren't.
If you were to ask me what this book was about, I couldn't really tell you. Perhaps, the technicalities and rationalizations that cause us to betray some values in service of others. Overall, it was interesting, and I enjoyed reading it.
The writing follows the main character's thoughts and interpretations of events. There are no quotes, so it emphasizes that we are hearing a narrative from her recollection and perspective.
hanahchoi's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
raina8008's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
inkster95's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
koehnjs's review against another edition
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
3.75