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406knits's review against another edition
2.0
I found myself really drawn by the premise of this novel. The reader meets Rosamond through her voice, just as Imogen would have done, as she is blind. We begin by following Gill, Rosamond's niece, shortly after Rosamond's death. Gill comes across recorded tapes Rosamond had made for Imogen to listen to. Imogen, who Gill had only met once, had a strange connection to Gill's aunt Rosamond. In an attempt to find Imogen, Gill listens to the tapes.
It was an extremely interesting perspective, to have Coe develop characters and a backstory through an old lady narrating photos from her life to someone she had only met a few times. That part, I felt, was done masterfully. But the story itself? It was good, without being wonderful; it was interesting, without being exciting; it was slow without being torturous. After putting the novel down, I had a hard time convincing myself to pick it back up. When I was reading it, it was an easy read. However, because it was so hard to convince myself to pick it back up, I'm only giving it a rating of 2/5.
It was an extremely interesting perspective, to have Coe develop characters and a backstory through an old lady narrating photos from her life to someone she had only met a few times. That part, I felt, was done masterfully. But the story itself? It was good, without being wonderful; it was interesting, without being exciting; it was slow without being torturous. After putting the novel down, I had a hard time convincing myself to pick it back up. When I was reading it, it was an easy read. However, because it was so hard to convince myself to pick it back up, I'm only giving it a rating of 2/5.
shelfimprovement's review against another edition
2.0
I really want to enjoy the story that is told here, but I can't get into Coe's narration. It's chunky and doesn't hold my attention.
hiroto's review against another edition
3.0
I can now say I have at least read one J.Coe book ! This one was chosen to me by one of my new coworkers, she adores this story. I can see why, and even thought it is not my cup of tea, I totally get why she was floored by this one.
This is the kind of book you'll love to discuss in book clubs : family secrets, originality of the narration, 3d characters.
It just didn't do it for emotionnaly (i am known for my hard-as-f heart after all).
This is the kind of book you'll love to discuss in book clubs : family secrets, originality of the narration, 3d characters.
It just didn't do it for emotionnaly (i am known for my hard-as-f heart after all).
clemescudier's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
marinetta's review against another edition
4.0
Είναι αρκετά διαφορετικό από το Πλιάτσικο και το Σπίτι του ύπνου , μιας και δεν μπορώ να εντοπίσω κάποια πολιτική νύξη του Κόου, αλλά μου άρεσε πάρα πολύ.
9/10
9/10
neelieverniet's review against another edition
im gonna need some time to process cause goddamn that was a hell of a ride
mrsa'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
valentinazanga's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
obscene_jack's review against another edition
3.0
It's hard to make anything of it, honestly. Was it fun to read? It was. Am I glad it's finally over? You bet.
Is it a simple and sad story of stupid mistakes and their consequences? Yes.
Is it an emotionally-heavy story? Emotionally-heavy is its second name.
Did it give me something apart from a heavy heart? Well, there was one moment (and probably the point of the whole book), a moment where the narrator steps back and looks at all the multilayered stuff described, and finds it beautiful and full of meaning, yet fickle and elusive. And it touches you. Briefly. Uncontrollably. Probably with no consequence.
So is it a beautiful story? Oh yes, intricately and fleetingly, but yes. For a second.
Was it worth it? Err...
Still, pretty good for the ramblings of an old woman with a photo album. Almost too good.
Is it a simple and sad story of stupid mistakes and their consequences? Yes.
Is it an emotionally-heavy story? Emotionally-heavy is its second name.
Did it give me something apart from a heavy heart? Well, there was one moment (and probably the point of the whole book), a moment where the narrator steps back and looks at all the multilayered stuff described, and finds it beautiful and full of meaning, yet fickle and elusive. And it touches you. Briefly. Uncontrollably. Probably with no consequence.
So is it a beautiful story? Oh yes, intricately and fleetingly, but yes. For a second.
Was it worth it? Err...
Still, pretty good for the ramblings of an old woman with a photo album. Almost too good.
val_halla's review against another edition
3.0
I was hesitant to read a book about lesbians written by a straight man, and my instincts were correct. The story is not especially interesting, and relies heavily on stereotypes to develop the characters.