Reviews

The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt

laurendonnelly3's review

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

bethhestad's review

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

unhinged_female_protagonist's review

2.0

By the cover and title, I was hoping this book was more about the protagonist’s role as a librarian than it actually was. This is the story of a man a named Bob Comet, a retired librarian who starts volunteering at a nursing home after a peculiar run in with one of its residents. I enjoyed this book very much up until I hit a little over the half way mark; specifically at Part III of the book (“1945”) where I nearly lost all interest. Though quirky and well written, this entire section felt pointless to the story and I slogged through it, just wishing we could get back to the point of the story. If this entire section has been eliminated, I would have enjoyed the book a lot more.

sfantarella's review

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? Yes

4.0

festivus's review

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.0

A fast moving and engaging story of a man's life that's highly unsettling in the haunting way it reveals missed opportunities.  

kristenlovesbooks's review against another edition

emotional reflective 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? Yes

4.0

kelseypnw's review

slow-paced

3.5

rebekahy's review

3.0

A funny read. Enjoyable story but just seemed to meander along.

gnomeshill's review

hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

darcygabe's review

inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.25

4.25 ⭐️ - quite a delightful little novel!

I really did enjoy this sweet little character study on Bob Comet. The writing was descriptive, and I enjoyed the themes the author chose to explore, especially around loneliness, friendship, love earned and lost. 

I particularly loved the flashbacks to the ‘50s and 60s when Bob is in his early 20s and falling in love. Honestly the book could have kept going in that world and explored the “love lost” portion more. 

I agree with other reviewers that the parts along the Oregon coast are a little drawn out and dull - it doesn’t have the same magic as the story line in his 20s or present day. But that didn’t detract enough for me to counter act the joy I had from the other sections. 

Overall would definitely recommend!