Reviews

This seemed to be the most soap operatic of any Irving novel I have read. I enjoyed the prose, but found the characters less likeable than Owen Meaney or Homer Wells. It slowed incredibly at the 4/5 mark, which led me to skimming through until the final chapter. I wouldn't recommend it as a first Irving novel to a friend, but I think Irving fans will still enjoy it.

slawler's review against another edition

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3.0

There are certain scenes from this book that haunt me. It's really not the sort of thing I enjoy though. Probably won't read more Irving although he's talented.

claytonhults's review

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Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

leawber's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

thisistez's review against another edition

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3.25

I feel like the writing style is very nice but I couldn't really appreciate it that well because of the awful topics discussed the whole time. Like I could do without all the sex and violence and death. But I can see that it's important for the plot. Don't think I'd read it again though.

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