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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
I wanted to like this book. I really really wanted to like it. I have long heard people rave about The English Patient (which I have never read, by the way) and when this book was assigned for a World Literature course I am taking, I was excited to read some Ondaatje. Oof. It was a struggle to get through this and, to be honest, if I wasn't required to read it for a class, I would have put it down about halfway through.
Random tangents, off-topic segments, and semi-stream of consciousness writing don't bother me if I feel like they have a purpose; alas, there were many instances in this book where I felt like these things had no real point. I am not sure how some of them contributed to the overall themes or plot of the story -- or if they even did.
Maybe I've missed some things. Maybe I should re-read it. But, I have a feeling that Ondaatje was trying so hard to write beautiful words that he lost his story somewhere along the way.
He has a new book coming out, and it's about my favorite time period - WWII - so maybe I'll give him another chance. Maybe.
Random tangents, off-topic segments, and semi-stream of consciousness writing don't bother me if I feel like they have a purpose; alas, there were many instances in this book where I felt like these things had no real point. I am not sure how some of them contributed to the overall themes or plot of the story -- or if they even did.
Maybe I've missed some things. Maybe I should re-read it. But, I have a feeling that Ondaatje was trying so hard to write beautiful words that he lost his story somewhere along the way.
He has a new book coming out, and it's about my favorite time period - WWII - so maybe I'll give him another chance. Maybe.
Beautiful writing and exceptional building of the setting, landscape. And lovely philosophical statements and insights throughout.
The through line of the plot was difficult to follow through the vignettes of the characters (including changed continents, time periods and relationships).
The through line of the plot was difficult to follow through the vignettes of the characters (including changed continents, time periods and relationships).
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Dark, intense, full of sadness.
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Spoiler fictional account of the Civil War.
It needs more transitions of how the sudden switches fit into the story
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
slow-paced
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
This book dances around between pulp procedural-crime novel and literary fiction. I wish it had just settled on one instead, it would have been a lot less confusing.
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No