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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
The core of this book is good, but it has some definite flaws. The first two chapters were so deeply detailed that I questioned whether I wanted to continue. Then it shifted. The back and forth between Clara and Katya was overall good reading, and the development of the characters thought out. It seemed that the shift to Clara's and Peter's relationship was a bit more forced, like the writer worked to hard to make the pieces fit.
And then there was one chapter from the piano's point of view...why?
And then there was one chapter from the piano's point of view...why?
I enjoyed the vivid imagery, but the symbolism was way too heavy handed.
mega Buch!! :) der Bezug zur Geschichte wurde gut eingebaut ohne das es wie ein sachbuch etc rüberkam. Manche stellen fand ich überflüssig, aber insgesamt war es eine tolle Geschichte besonders mit den zusammenhängen zwischen den zwei unterschiedlichen Geschichten.
A good read, although not sure the story has that “sticking” power you wish for in an excellent read, but I enjoyed it.
I wanted more musician and less emotional angst, but overall I was drawn into the story and discovering the way the seemingly non-connected characters were actually connected. Fans of the Red Violin would likely enjoy this.
An easy and flowing read that alternates with past and present views that are all connected by an old and beautifully crafted piano. We get to be there from the creation of the piano in Europe over 100 years ago (one of the most poetic and well-written parts of the book) all the way to its current owner in modern-day Death Valley in California.
This book is all about connections and life choices and the weight that we attach to people, memories, and objects. It's not life-changing or a literary triumph, but it's a very pleasant read that resonates with true emotion.
This book is all about connections and life choices and the weight that we attach to people, memories, and objects. It's not life-changing or a literary triumph, but it's a very pleasant read that resonates with true emotion.
I'm conflicted. I really liked it... but I'm not sure about the ending. The author almost FORCED the logical ending on you, but it really could have gone the other way.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
More like 2.5. Liked the piano ... until it started talking for itself there at the end. Liked the setting and the basic plot. Did not like any of the characters. The main characters were maddeningly helpless to help themselves at all and made such poor choices. And the men in their lives ... ugh.
And why why why would the author choose to transliterate some Russian words and write some in Cyrillic, making it EXTREMELY difficult to look up their meaning???
And why why why would the author choose to transliterate some Russian words and write some in Cyrillic, making it EXTREMELY difficult to look up their meaning???
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A