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namnam84's review against another edition
2.0
PHEW! The 470-odd pages of this novel have left me exhausted. Shriver has an interesting premise, but it gets badly lost in the execution. And that is unfortunate because this book has a lot going for it - a parallel-storyline structure, interesting characters whose lives are filled with high drama and some wise insights on the way about relationships, choice and destiny.
The low-point of this book is most definitely Shriver's heroine - Irina McGovern. She seems so preoccupied by her relationships that it sometimes borders on masochism. She has two men in her life, is happy with neither, and you really start to wonder why she doesn't just leave them both and lead her own life. The novel is full of details about the professions of both men to the point where these discussions stall the narrative. But we know nothing about how Irina works, her meetings with her editors, her book launches and what she think about art and illustration. Since she is the supposed protagonist of this novel, this becomes a real tragedy.
I will not say don't go for this at all - go for it. But expect not to be enthralled by the premise as it quickly loses steam.
The low-point of this book is most definitely Shriver's heroine - Irina McGovern. She seems so preoccupied by her relationships that it sometimes borders on masochism. She has two men in her life, is happy with neither, and you really start to wonder why she doesn't just leave them both and lead her own life. The novel is full of details about the professions of both men to the point where these discussions stall the narrative. But we know nothing about how Irina works, her meetings with her editors, her book launches and what she think about art and illustration. Since she is the supposed protagonist of this novel, this becomes a real tragedy.
I will not say don't go for this at all - go for it. But expect not to be enthralled by the premise as it quickly loses steam.
teh_niarr's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
jcribbs's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book. It was a good read, but about halfway through, the premise gets a little stale. I usually do not like stories that "time hop" but I loved how the situations were reversed in several settings and the creativity to come up with the shifts was fun to witness. In the end, the story is sweet, but I wish that the last few paragraphs had been edited out. Just like in real life, you don't know how your choices will play out in the end and which choice is the absolute right choice when faced with a quandry. I'd love to have seen the last few paragraphs left out so the reader could determine their own decision about which path was the best choice.
ptothelo's review against another edition
2.0
i really enjoyed sliding doors but i couldn't really get through this one. the writing was lovely but i just didn't care about the characters...
renzoreads's review against another edition
5.0
How can one decision, one choice to kiss another man or to leave and go home, drastically change the course of your whole life? Is the grass always greener on the other side? Is it always safest to stick with what you know, stay with with status quo?
Irina McGovern is a children’s book illustrator, living in London with her long term partner Lawrence. One night, when Lawrence is away for work, Irina goes out for dinner with a mutual friend Ramsey. Ramsey is a world renowned Snooker player, he is passionate and charming and as the night draws to a close Irina feels the pull of attraction towards him.
The next morning Irina wakes up, her decision from the night before propelling her into a future drastically different from the future she would have if her choice had been different. Told in alternating timelines we follow Irina as the consequences of her actions, or in-action, shape her life - not just romantically but also with her career, friendships and family relationships. Which future offers her the better life, true happiness? Is it with seemingly safe, loyal and smart Lawrence or is it with passionate, impulsive, fun loving Ramsey?
I loved this book! It was such a great read, it took me a little bit to get used to the alternating time line but once I wrapped my head around it I was hooked. My “preferred” timeline for Irina kept varying every couple of chapters, with all the characters having their strengths and flaws.
I love a time warp read, they’re always entertaining and this one was more than entertaining it had a lot of feeling. Well written, with relatable characters. Characters who seemed real, not an imagined character with over the top characteristics. They could be your friend, family member, colleague, neighbor or even yourself. A perfect book for anyone who ever wondered “what if…?”
Irina McGovern is a children’s book illustrator, living in London with her long term partner Lawrence. One night, when Lawrence is away for work, Irina goes out for dinner with a mutual friend Ramsey. Ramsey is a world renowned Snooker player, he is passionate and charming and as the night draws to a close Irina feels the pull of attraction towards him.
The next morning Irina wakes up, her decision from the night before propelling her into a future drastically different from the future she would have if her choice had been different. Told in alternating timelines we follow Irina as the consequences of her actions, or in-action, shape her life - not just romantically but also with her career, friendships and family relationships. Which future offers her the better life, true happiness? Is it with seemingly safe, loyal and smart Lawrence or is it with passionate, impulsive, fun loving Ramsey?
I loved this book! It was such a great read, it took me a little bit to get used to the alternating time line but once I wrapped my head around it I was hooked. My “preferred” timeline for Irina kept varying every couple of chapters, with all the characters having their strengths and flaws.
I love a time warp read, they’re always entertaining and this one was more than entertaining it had a lot of feeling. Well written, with relatable characters. Characters who seemed real, not an imagined character with over the top characteristics. They could be your friend, family member, colleague, neighbor or even yourself. A perfect book for anyone who ever wondered “what if…?”
catymart83's review against another edition
I'm just not in the mood to finish this book so I'm taking a break from it and moving on to some lighter fare
dottiemi's review against another edition
4.0
Wondered if it could be as good as Kevin, not quite but almost, I loved it.
thukpa's review against another edition
2.0
Maybe a 2 1/2, not quite a 3. It was a long book, I kind of pushed my way through, mainly to follow the premise to its conclusion. The story is told in alternating chapters about two possible paths that could have been the result of making a different choice at a critical point in time- whether Irina (not married but 9 years committed,) kisses or not kissed a friend on his birthday. It seemed a little snooty to me, but I followed through.
jetia13's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so much longer than I had anticipated. A super interesting concept and structure, done so well that sometimes I was mad at how well it worked.