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mtdegrace's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
5.0
katherina_lei's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't love it, but it had a style that was intriguing. 2.5 stars
emmdiggity's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
srsanderson's review against another edition
4.0
I usually don't read books where older people are the center of the story. Probably because I cannot relate to them, but I never gave it much psycho-analytic thought.
The book revolves around three main characters. Etta, an 80-something year old woman who is starting to suffer early Alzheimers (at least that was how I interpreted her condition, it is never laid out for the reader in black and white words). Otto, who is Etta's husband, a war veteran whose memories haunt both him and his wife, and a self taught paper mâché prodigy. And finally Russell, who is a long time friend of both Etta and Otto, who throughout his life has harbored more than just friendly feelings for Etta.
The book starts out with Etta leaving a note for Otto, saying she is traveling to see the water. Her journey is poignant in that she NEEDS to do this presumably before she dies, or before her memory fails her enough to realize that never seeing the ocean was important to her.
I really liked this story. It was moving, and sweet, and poetic in all the right ways. There was a touch of magic, but not enough to throw this into a "fantasy" genre. Honestly, when Etta picks up her traveling companion James, the coyote, I did not find it absurdly odd that they had full fledged conversations. I talk to my dog all the time... and he talks back.
Etta and Otto's story is told with a blend of past and present. Everything just flowed so well, whether it was telling through letters, or flashbacks, or present time. I only found this confusing in one instance, and even then I thought it may be intentional by the author.
Bottom line, I enjoyed this read. Honestly I like it even more now that it has sat on my shelf finished for almost a month. The story just kind of settled into me.
The book revolves around three main characters. Etta, an 80-something year old woman who is starting to suffer early Alzheimers (at least that was how I interpreted her condition, it is never laid out for the reader in black and white words). Otto, who is Etta's husband, a war veteran whose memories haunt both him and his wife, and a self taught paper mâché prodigy. And finally Russell, who is a long time friend of both Etta and Otto, who throughout his life has harbored more than just friendly feelings for Etta.
The book starts out with Etta leaving a note for Otto, saying she is traveling to see the water. Her journey is poignant in that she NEEDS to do this presumably before she dies, or before her memory fails her enough to realize that never seeing the ocean was important to her.
I really liked this story. It was moving, and sweet, and poetic in all the right ways. There was a touch of magic, but not enough to throw this into a "fantasy" genre. Honestly, when Etta picks up her traveling companion James, the coyote, I did not find it absurdly odd that they had full fledged conversations. I talk to my dog all the time... and he talks back.
Etta and Otto's story is told with a blend of past and present. Everything just flowed so well, whether it was telling through letters, or flashbacks, or present time. I only found this confusing in one instance, and even then I thought it may be intentional by the author.
Spoiler
There is a moment in Etta's journey where Etta thinks she is Otto. Not only that, but she thinks she is Otto when he is back in the war. The blend of characters and time was confusing, but then I thought that the mind of an early Alzheimers patient is probably pretty confusing....and then I liked the story more.Bottom line, I enjoyed this read. Honestly I like it even more now that it has sat on my shelf finished for almost a month. The story just kind of settled into me.
soderholmirina's review
3.0
Pidin tästä kovasti, oli erilainen ja herttainen tarina sekä vei mukanaan. Olisi saanut neljännen tähden, jos loppu olisi ollut selkeämpi ja vähemmän tulkinnanvarainen. Toki vaihteluahan se on, kun kun kaikki ei mene aina selkeän kaavan mukaan.
bookaddictlt's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written and a beautiful story. Historical fiction. You can tear into and pick this book apart or just read it and enjoy. Just a good book. I definitely recommend.
millysleep's review against another edition
4.0
3 and a half stars really but feeling generous. It all gets a little wistful at times but I did enjoy the read.
marilynsaul's review against another edition
5.0
What a treasure!! All we know at the beginning is that an 83-year-old woman decides to walk over 3,000 miles to see the water (ocean). Through letters and vignettes, the author develops the characters of Etta, Otto, and Russell for us. They are all intertwined, all loving, all flawed, and all somewhat tragic. The story weaves through what seems to be an impossible premise but one which works so well and leaves the reader feeling as though we know them all intimately and would love to sit down with them over cups of tea and/or rye. James (you'll discover him as the journey progresses) remains my favorite.
UPDATE: 11/24/21 Having suggested this book on the PBS Book Reader's FB page, I thought I'd re-read it, as it's been a couple of years. Oh My Goodness - This is definitely at the very top of my favorite books ever! I'd give it ten stars if I could.
UPDATE: 11/24/21 Having suggested this book on the PBS Book Reader's FB page, I thought I'd re-read it, as it's been a couple of years. Oh My Goodness - This is definitely at the very top of my favorite books ever! I'd give it ten stars if I could.
shellihuntley4's review against another edition
4.0
Sweet and melancholy. If you liked the Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, you'll enjoy this too.