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massimo73's review
2.0
An experimental, loosely structured novel with some fantastic passages–especially while describing prewar Alexandria–but by and large a wildly overrated snorefest.
100reads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Beautifully written. The story went over my head. Waiting to read the rest of the series to connect the dots.
alisonjfields's review against another edition
3.0
I'm holding out until I finish the Quartet, but my feeling so far is that this is a very silly book that happens to be written tolerably well.
sarihelikopter's review
neden çok sevildiğini çok iyi anladım okurken, ama melankolisi bana fazla. çok male-gaze (döneme göre anlaşılır ama rahatsız ediyo napıyim), çoğunlukla iskenderiyelilere karşı üstenci. bir süre sonra sık sık "ay öf ama" derken buldum kendimi. serinin diğer kitaplarına şans vereceğim ama biraz zaman geçmesi lazım.
abilge's review
5.0
We are the children of our landscape; it dictates behavior and even thought in the measure to which we are responsive to it.
Overall, “Justine” is a mesmerizing story that delves into the intricate relationship between individuals and their surroundings. Lawrence Durrell’s masterful storytelling and his understanding of the profound impact of landscape on human behavior make this novel a captivating and thought-provoking read. It is a testament to the power of environment and its ability to shape our very existence.
THE CITY
You tell yourself I'll be gone
To some other land, some other sea, To a city lovelier far than this Could ever have been or hoped to be-Where every step now tightens the noose:
A heart in a body buried and out of use:
How long, how long must I be here Confined among these dreary purlieus Of the common mind? Wherever now I look
Black ruins of my life rise into view.
So many years have I been here
Spending and squandering and nothing gained.
There's no new land, my friend, no New sea; for the city will follow you, In the same streets you'll wander endlessly,
The same mental suburbs slip from youth to age, In the same house go white at last-
The city is a cage.
No other places, always this
Your earthly landfall, and no ship exists
To take you from yourself.
Ah! don't you see
Just as you've ruined your life in this
One plot of ground you've ruined its worth
Everywhere now-over the whole earth?
Overall, “Justine” is a mesmerizing story that delves into the intricate relationship between individuals and their surroundings. Lawrence Durrell’s masterful storytelling and his understanding of the profound impact of landscape on human behavior make this novel a captivating and thought-provoking read. It is a testament to the power of environment and its ability to shape our very existence.
THE CITY
You tell yourself I'll be gone
To some other land, some other sea, To a city lovelier far than this Could ever have been or hoped to be-Where every step now tightens the noose:
A heart in a body buried and out of use:
How long, how long must I be here Confined among these dreary purlieus Of the common mind? Wherever now I look
Black ruins of my life rise into view.
So many years have I been here
Spending and squandering and nothing gained.
There's no new land, my friend, no New sea; for the city will follow you, In the same streets you'll wander endlessly,
The same mental suburbs slip from youth to age, In the same house go white at last-
The city is a cage.
No other places, always this
Your earthly landfall, and no ship exists
To take you from yourself.
Ah! don't you see
Just as you've ruined your life in this
One plot of ground you've ruined its worth
Everywhere now-over the whole earth?
megs_k's review against another edition
3.0
Certainly not one of my favorites, but the book was decent. It has excellent plot twists despite the lag towards the middle of the read. Overall it was a very thoughtful and contemplative read the perspectives and theories about Love, Lust and, Friendship were certainly fascinating.
ladyr's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Stunning prose. You need to work it but will be richly rewarded.
brdgtc's review against another edition
3.0
I can't deny that Durrell is a compelling writer, but it was still very hard to enjoy delving into the lives of these people.
adamwright's review against another edition
challenging
dark
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
3.25