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kenzee06's review against another edition
5.0
*I won this book in a GoodReads first reads giveaway*
I thought this book was great. The story was well written, the characters were intriguing (though not always likable) and the plot had just enough twists to keep me reading. Can't wait to see what the author comes out with next.
I thought this book was great. The story was well written, the characters were intriguing (though not always likable) and the plot had just enough twists to keep me reading. Can't wait to see what the author comes out with next.
drjoannehill's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable story with an interesting side in the science of art detection and insurance work, if you like to learn about techie things like x-raying paintings to see what's underneath! The book is almost a detective story itself, but with a persisting sense that we don't quite have the full details or know quite what or who is being detected. Take home messages on the power of family (chosen or not), betrayal / secrecy and the importance of living your own life.
I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
murphyslaw09's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
3.0
This review is based on the FirstReads copy I was fortunate enough to win. A fascinating first novel that deals with relationships and the art world. The plot centers around the search for a previously unseen painting by a brilliant but reclusive painter, Thomas Bayber, who has not offered any new works in the past 20 years. Bayber enlists the help of an art history professor, Dennis Finch, and a struggling art authenticator, Stephen Jameson, to sell the painting. However, there is a twist to his seemingly simple request. Before Bayber will agree to sell this painting, Finch and Jameson must first track down the subjects of the painting, two sisters named Alice and Natalie Kessler, who seemingly disappeared. The story alternates between the present and the past, providing clues to the reader about the painting and its subjects, and the intertwined lives of the characters. The author did an excellent job of giving the characters distinctive voices and creating three dimensional and believable personalities, while providing a puzzle for the reader to solve. Included at the end was a reader's guide for book clubs with intriguing discussion questions and an interview with the author that enhanced the reading experience overall. Based on her first novel, I look forward to reading more by Ms. Guzeman. Thanks again to the FirstReads program for introducing me to another new author!
pattiillbee11's review against another edition
5.0
I really really like this book! The characters (except for the artist) are interesting and flawed and so human. The writing is excellent. it caught me off guard. The description of the book doesn't do it justice. Please Ms Guzeman, keep writing!
artsygirlamy's review against another edition
4.0
Literary Fiction as its truly defined. Art, mystery, love story (albeit, unconventional), dysfunctional family, unexpected twists and turns, something for everyone, What's not to love. Interesting characters, especially Alice, and Thomas, left me wanting more.
booksaremyfavorite's review against another edition
3.0
I like the sisters but the mystery part feels a little contrived. I have trouble keeping Finch and Jameson apart, probably because I could care less about either of them. I like Bayber too. The descriptions of art are nice, not overdone. The whole RA thing is also more obnoxious, like a pity plea than like a real thing being dealt with by Alice.
I'm happy reading this because the parts that are well done are very well done, and the parts that aren't well done are only minorly annoying. At least so far.
Alice is supposed to be an observer, a bird watcher, but she is the least observant character in the book. Everything she finds out toward the end of the book is apparent in the very first chapter. It is infuriating that the paradox of her watchful personality and her absolute near-sightedness in relationships is never made explicit, she never admits this, and so it feels like just a poorly written character. I expect characters to be at least slightly self-aware, and if not, give them appropriate characteristics for non-self-aware people. Someone so introspective should be able to recognize this contradiction within herself.
Agh.
I have to keep reading though, to Guzeman's credit, despite my frustration.
The ending is satisfying, despite the extra meaningless twist. Finch gets more developed, the sisters possibly less so, and Stephen stays annoying.
The descriptions of the artwork are well done and weirdly made this book worth reading, even though I usually hate vivid descriptions of things that aren't characters. They add to the characters, I suppose, and so reading them is worthwhile.
I'm happy reading this because the parts that are well done are very well done, and the parts that aren't well done are only minorly annoying. At least so far.
Alice is supposed to be an observer, a bird watcher, but she is the least observant character in the book. Everything she finds out toward the end of the book is apparent in the very first chapter. It is infuriating that the paradox of her watchful personality and her absolute near-sightedness in relationships is never made explicit, she never admits this, and so it feels like just a poorly written character. I expect characters to be at least slightly self-aware, and if not, give them appropriate characteristics for non-self-aware people. Someone so introspective should be able to recognize this contradiction within herself.
Agh.
I have to keep reading though, to Guzeman's credit, despite my frustration.
The ending is satisfying, despite the extra meaningless twist. Finch gets more developed, the sisters possibly less so, and Stephen stays annoying.
The descriptions of the artwork are well done and weirdly made this book worth reading, even though I usually hate vivid descriptions of things that aren't characters. They add to the characters, I suppose, and so reading them is worthwhile.
cjfiebert's review against another edition
4.0
At first, I didn't like this book. I found some of characters rather unsettling and did not know if I really wanted to know more of their story. But I decided to pick up the book again a few days later and found myself lost in their world, trying to uncover the secrets and lies surrounding these people.
The Gravity of Birds explores the extremely complicated relationship between two sisters, especially when one sister has a disability that will always tie her sister to her. You feel pity for these sisters, but at different times you wonder if either sister truly deserves pity or if they are just awful people. It's the idea that we all need pity at times and we all feel like terrible people inside at times that helps us to understand these women and encourages us to read on and learn more.
The mystery of this book kept me hooked until the end, even though I had figured out many of the answers long before the characters did. In the end, I really enjoyed this book and found myself eagerly awaiting my next trip on the subway and my next chance to read more.
The Gravity of Birds explores the extremely complicated relationship between two sisters, especially when one sister has a disability that will always tie her sister to her. You feel pity for these sisters, but at different times you wonder if either sister truly deserves pity or if they are just awful people. It's the idea that we all need pity at times and we all feel like terrible people inside at times that helps us to understand these women and encourages us to read on and learn more.
The mystery of this book kept me hooked until the end, even though I had figured out many of the answers long before the characters did. In the end, I really enjoyed this book and found myself eagerly awaiting my next trip on the subway and my next chance to read more.
christinavarela's review against another edition
3.0
Probably 3.5 stars. Dark enough for me to stay interested, with semi-satisfying resolution.