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freddie's review against another edition
5.0
I cried reading this book; as a consequence, I have to give it 5 stars (should I make a teary vloggy reading video à la the ones made for A Little Life?). It's a story of a snarky old woman who uses literature (and bombastic words and literary references) to shield herself from past hurt. The ending reminds me of an uplifting Hallmark movie without being too sappy.
mehitabels's review
5.0
A sweetly heartbreaking book, set in Beirut, Lebanon, the recollections of a woman who was truly unnecessary and completely extraordinary. A nobody who worked in a bookshop and did little to change the world around her. At yet . . . she is lyrical, lovely, and lonely.
This is a story for book lovers, with quotes and references and the comfortable familiarity of a favorite reading chair, gentle light, and a quiet house. I highly recommend this book, I was touched and amused and saddened. It is just so ... so ... so lovely and sweet and yet filled with the political reality of Lebanon over the past 50 years.
Plus the character is a bit crotchety and cynical and shy, awkward in body and over-intelligent in mind, well, I can relate, oh I can relate.
This is a story for book lovers, with quotes and references and the comfortable familiarity of a favorite reading chair, gentle light, and a quiet house. I highly recommend this book, I was touched and amused and saddened. It is just so ... so ... so lovely and sweet and yet filled with the political reality of Lebanon over the past 50 years.
Plus the character is a bit crotchety and cynical and shy, awkward in body and over-intelligent in mind, well, I can relate, oh I can relate.
purghy's review
5.0
A must... re-read. One time to read, second time to enjoy, third time to underline... what you must read. An excellent novel, full of sensibility and pragmatism.
arielamandah's review
4.0
This is a challenging book to "rate."
A few random thoughts:
- I loved spending time with the main character, Aaliya. She was witty, thoughtful, self-deprecating, and honest.
- The book was a slow burn that seemed to take forever to read. It's certainly leisurely (make sure you have time for it!).
- It was intellectually enjoyable, but I never felt giddy about it or particularly charmed by it.
- I loved the author's use of literature (it didn't feel pretentious to me).
- I wanted more insight and visibility into Beirut.
Overall, I think it was well-crafted (with a few flaws in pacing). Glad to have read it.
A few random thoughts:
- I loved spending time with the main character, Aaliya. She was witty, thoughtful, self-deprecating, and honest.
- The book was a slow burn that seemed to take forever to read. It's certainly leisurely (make sure you have time for it!).
- It was intellectually enjoyable, but I never felt giddy about it or particularly charmed by it.
- I loved the author's use of literature (it didn't feel pretentious to me).
- I wanted more insight and visibility into Beirut.
Overall, I think it was well-crafted (with a few flaws in pacing). Glad to have read it.
meganpaletskih's review
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
3.0
vhsrising's review against another edition
5.0
I’ll be coming back to this book again and again over the years. So many beautiful quotes and book recommendations within! This novel is about an elderly woman living in a war zone who is fiercely in love with her city and her independence. There are so many quotes that will stick with me and make me rethink what it means to be alone.
carole888's review
4.0
Set in Beirut, the narrator is a reclusive 72 year old woman, Aaliya Saleh, struggling to maintain dignity, while coming to terms with aging and she reflects on the past and her life, through the books she’s read.
I enjoyed the ramblings of this beautiful soul. I loved how each of her thoughts led to other thoughts as she repeatedly digressed and interrupted herself and it didn’t matter as everything flowed so well. And the books she mentions …. there are sooooo many books!
I enjoyed the ramblings of this beautiful soul. I loved how each of her thoughts led to other thoughts as she repeatedly digressed and interrupted herself and it didn’t matter as everything flowed so well. And the books she mentions …. there are sooooo many books!
expatally's review
4.0
A love letter to Beirut and to Lebanon. This book makes me realize I haven’t even scratched the surface when it comes to literature.
ebokhyllami's review against another edition
5.0
Komplett omtale ligger her:
http://ebokhyllami.blogspot.no/2012/11/bokomtale-en-overfldig-kvinne-av-rabih.html
http://ebokhyllami.blogspot.no/2012/11/bokomtale-en-overfldig-kvinne-av-rabih.html