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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-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:
No
Book Review The Book of Records by Madeleine Thien
A philosophy lovers dream, this is an intricate exploration of the purpose and meaning of life. Where time is ambiguous and the past, present and future overlap in a haunting and poetic narrative. Thien invites readers into a world where characters drift across timelines, and the present seems timeless.
The story is centred by Lina and her father, who flee Foshan, as great swaths of their homeland are flooding. The arrive at a place known only as “The Sea”, a transitory haven for travellers, before continuing their journey. But for Lina, it becomes a place of limbo, where time marches on but life stands still, as her father refuses to move forward. A small community is formed with the travellers who remain, anchored by The Book of Legends: The Great Lives of Voyagers for comfort, connection and reflection. Through these stories the voices of Baruch Spinoza, Du Fu, and Hannah Arendt are heard, threading the story with questions of identity, history and humanity.
This is a story of displacement - physical, emotional and existential. It grapples with the search for meaning from what has been lost and the fragile hope for the future. It deftly examines centuries of persecution, disenfranchisement and the power structures that shape our world. It amplifies the age old questions: What is a meaningful life? Is it a meaningful existence? Is it our legacy? Is it our impact on the world? Are our paths predestined, or do our choices carve out our futures? How do we survive and live with the guilt and shame of our choices?
Beautifully written, this novel masterfully weaves together complex themes in a cohesive and thought provoking manner. Capturing the lyrical grace and elegance of philosophy and literature, the book remains accessible and encouraging you to pause, reflect and absorb it.
I loved the depth, beauty intricacy of this novel and the power of the story telling. I will admit to getting a little lost with some of the science and mathematical themes, but this did not detract from my enjoyment. It is a thought provoking and mesmerizing work that will remain with me for a long time. If you loved her previous novel, Do Not Say We Have Nothing you will definitely love this as well.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the early copy of this book and the opportunity to provide honest feedback.
Didn’t work for me, my bad for not being in the mood for this much philosophy.
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
Overall, I enjoyed reading this. There are compelling narratives and profoundly quote-worthy passages. Although the book has a nebulous and fairly daunting beginning, Thien's writing is beautiful throughout the stories that develope in the novel. I would recommend this book to patient individuals seeking a philosophical, almost academic, read.
There are many names to keep track of, as the characters "At Sea" do not share the names of their historical selves, and each of the historical flashbacks have numerous characters to keep track of. The book is also deeply philosophical, which was challenging to wade through at times. (This may be more of a personal shortcoming rather than any flaw in the book)
Admittedly, this is not a book that I read quickly (about 6 weeks start to finish). I took my time and read segments of passages. I tend to read multiple books at a time.This added to the challenges in understanding due to the lengthy chapters and often stopping mid-way through a particular storyline.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC.
There are many names to keep track of, as the characters "At Sea" do not share the names of their historical selves, and each of the historical flashbacks have numerous characters to keep track of. The book is also deeply philosophical, which was challenging to wade through at times. (This may be more of a personal shortcoming rather than any flaw in the book)
Admittedly, this is not a book that I read quickly (about 6 weeks start to finish). I took my time and read segments of passages. I tend to read multiple books at a time.This added to the challenges in understanding due to the lengthy chapters and often stopping mid-way through a particular storyline.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
The Book of Records is an epic and imaginative quest for home, in a world where time flows like water, and no clear boundaries exist between past, present, and future. At a crossroads of migration, Lina and her father meet figures from long ago, who share their stories of hardship, the fallibility of memory, and the joys of discovery. With elegant and sweeping prose, The Book of Records is an unforgettable meditation on what it means to remember.
Thank you NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Co. for the digital ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and W.W. Norton & Co. for the digital ARC.
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated
I only got partway through this. I was hopeful in the beginning, the synopsis sounded interesting but I finally gave up. I was so confused with the storylines and it wasn't making a whole lot of sense. I kept feeling like I had missed something along the way. This definitely wasn't for me.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced