Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
The writing was great and enough to keep me interested to finish the book, however the plot was almost nonexistent. This is a character study in the true sense and we see the main character slowly evolve in his new environment. Rather than one story line the character is impacted by a series of small events, his transformation is believable, but not very interesting.
The setting of Newfoundland also plays a large role and is in and of itself a character in the book. The characterization of Newfoundland and the community is its saving grace.
The setting of Newfoundland also plays a large role and is in and of itself a character in the book. The characterization of Newfoundland and the community is its saving grace.
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Concise prose reflects the harsh, demanding environment of Newfoundland and the emotions shown by its inhabitants. Told in a laconic way, with some surprisingly sparkling humoristic gems thrown in now and then, we get shown: well, life it what it is. Not always great drama, not always flaming passion, but you can find compassion and meaningful bonds with others in unexpected places and ways.
This was a re-read for me, and I couldn't remember much of the book but an image of racing clouds, deafening breaking waves and blinding sunlight in the mudflat. Nordic, maritim vibes. And again these images will prevail.
I love it.
This was a re-read for me, and I couldn't remember much of the book but an image of racing clouds, deafening breaking waves and blinding sunlight in the mudflat. Nordic, maritim vibes. And again these images will prevail.
I love it.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Writing: 3/5 (Very descriptive, with a use of a strong and diverse vocabulary. I had a hard time understanding Proulx's writing, however, because she tended to write in choppy, incomplete thoughts and oftentimes forgot to include simple things like the subject or action in a sentence. Sometimes I got the impression that she was almost trying too hard to be stylized and different).
Storyline: 4/5 (Typical heroes journey of renewal and growth after being at the bottom of the bottom. While some main elements were mildly predictable, most of the events that furthered the plotline really seemed to come out of left field for me).
Characters: 5/5 (Wow. I kept on wading through the difficult writing because I loved the main characters, the bit characters, the in-between characters. Everyone seemed complex and human. While it took me awhile to feel for the main character, once I did I could not help but root for him).
Memorable: 3/5 (A good story with unique characters. Will I remember it for a long time? Probably some key parts and events, but I think I'll lose some of the smaller points and details).
Originality: 4/5 (While it was a typical hero's journey, I'd never really thought about life in Newfoundland, and therefore it seemed very unique in that it found mainstream success while giving a(n albeit fictional) voice to a group of people who have been largely forgotten by most of Western society).
Page-turner: 5/5 (Chapters were organized in short vignettes which slowly but surely told an overall story by mixing smaller stories together. This made it easy to take and read wherever I went, because a chapter was only usually about 10 pages-- perfect for a doctors office, public transportation, or my lunch break).
Overall: 4/5 (I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good work of fiction and enjoys unique, realistic, and sympathetic characters. If you need books to be written in a straightforward manner, this book may not be the one for you).
Storyline: 4/5 (Typical heroes journey of renewal and growth after being at the bottom of the bottom. While some main elements were mildly predictable, most of the events that furthered the plotline really seemed to come out of left field for me).
Characters: 5/5 (Wow. I kept on wading through the difficult writing because I loved the main characters, the bit characters, the in-between characters. Everyone seemed complex and human. While it took me awhile to feel for the main character, once I did I could not help but root for him).
Memorable: 3/5 (A good story with unique characters. Will I remember it for a long time? Probably some key parts and events, but I think I'll lose some of the smaller points and details).
Originality: 4/5 (While it was a typical hero's journey, I'd never really thought about life in Newfoundland, and therefore it seemed very unique in that it found mainstream success while giving a(n albeit fictional) voice to a group of people who have been largely forgotten by most of Western society).
Page-turner: 5/5 (Chapters were organized in short vignettes which slowly but surely told an overall story by mixing smaller stories together. This made it easy to take and read wherever I went, because a chapter was only usually about 10 pages-- perfect for a doctors office, public transportation, or my lunch break).
Overall: 4/5 (I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good work of fiction and enjoys unique, realistic, and sympathetic characters. If you need books to be written in a straightforward manner, this book may not be the one for you).
Read on recommendation from a Waterstones bookseller after steaming through Elizabeth Strout’s novels. Took me a while to get into this book, which on reflection matched the pace of Quoyle’s settling into Newfoundland life. Beautiful, sharp descriptions and an even handed portrayal of community and family. A slight flirtation with the fantastical. The second half of this book in particular was a joy to read.
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A funny, beautifully written study of place and character.