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katyinscrubs's review against another edition
I really liked it for a while, but when the book switched narrators, I lost interest. It had potential, but I couldn’t convince myself to pick it up again after it got boring.
catbrigand's review against another edition
2.0
I reserve single stars for books that inspire an actual burning hatred. This book made me feel nothing, which might be worse.
First, let me talk about what did work: the strike-through chapter headings to track progression and evolution of characters, and the Greek chorus of typists.
What didn’t work: a lot of the rest. The chorus was, at times, too revealing. Tipping readers off to major plot points before they happen is kind of lazy, makes for a poor mystery, and makes it seem like the author doesn’t trust the readers to figure it out. The story is presented as East meets West, but honestly, the entire East portion could have been cut out—it didn’t add a whole lot. I appreciate that this is a love letter to Doctor Zhivago, but I’m just not sure there was really enough there.
First, let me talk about what did work: the strike-through chapter headings to track progression and evolution of characters, and the Greek chorus of typists.
What didn’t work: a lot of the rest. The chorus was, at times, too revealing. Tipping readers off to major plot points before they happen is kind of lazy, makes for a poor mystery, and makes it seem like the author doesn’t trust the readers to figure it out. The story is presented as East meets West, but honestly, the entire East portion could have been cut out—it didn’t add a whole lot. I appreciate that this is a love letter to Doctor Zhivago, but I’m just not sure there was really enough there.
ebc726's review against another edition
2.0
I went into this book excited and expecting to love it. The Reese's Book Club picks don't usually steer me wrong, but this was an exception.
The whole thing just felt choppy and disjointed to me. The characters didn't feel like they had a lot of depth, and it was difficult to connect with and root for them. I didn't feel like the author got her idea across very well. I had trouble understanding how exactly the typists played a role in securing Doctor Zhivago for distribution outside of the USSR. All of the characters' romantic relationships felt forced.
The whole thing just felt choppy and disjointed to me. The characters didn't feel like they had a lot of depth, and it was difficult to connect with and root for them. I didn't feel like the author got her idea across very well. I had trouble understanding how exactly the typists played a role in securing Doctor Zhivago for distribution outside of the USSR. All of the characters' romantic relationships felt forced.
celtic67's review
5.0
This was not my usual type of read. Set in the 1950's it was the attempt of the USA to smuggle out Boris Pasternak's novel out of the USSR, print and smuggle back into the USSR.
It's a novel that is multi faceted. Telling of the cold war, the mistreatment of women and that both societies; the USSR and the so called west are at heart both dominated by men. Where women are there for men's pleasure and are supposed to do as they are told.
The story was a fascinating blend of fiction and possible fact. The writing was top quality and draws the reader in. My first read by this author and I look forward to more. I can see this being made into a film. It was refreshing to read a book with no references to modern technology; Eg. mobile phone or personal computers.
Thanks to lovereading for the ARC.
It's a novel that is multi faceted. Telling of the cold war, the mistreatment of women and that both societies; the USSR and the so called west are at heart both dominated by men. Where women are there for men's pleasure and are supposed to do as they are told.
The story was a fascinating blend of fiction and possible fact. The writing was top quality and draws the reader in. My first read by this author and I look forward to more. I can see this being made into a film. It was refreshing to read a book with no references to modern technology; Eg. mobile phone or personal computers.
Thanks to lovereading for the ARC.
sewjoy1's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Not a fan: too many storylines, too many characters (unnecessary to overall plot), couldn't relate to any of the characters, didn't really like any of the characters, thought the author of Dr. Zhivago was selfish and self-absorbed.
jansbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
Some books just flow - this is one. A easy to read, interesting story. I knew that Doctor Zhivago had been banned in the Soviet Union, but I had no knowledge of the backstory to it all. A good historical fiction that will keep you engaged til the end.
cbooks95's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
tiasreads's review against another edition
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
3.25