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izzy_reads7's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lwhite231's review against another edition
reflective
sad
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
5.0
adholliday's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
hatrireads's review against another edition
3.0
I've got to think about this one. So many layers to uncover. The characters spanning two thousand years of Roman history were unforgettable: an early Christian girl martyr; a medieval monk who cares for dead bodies disintegrating under a church; a Black Medici princess; and a contemporary field biologist on a fellowship. In each section the rusty fish hook is a recurring symbol. Intriguing, often funny, eloquent, lovely novel from this thoughtful and talented young Mississippi writer.
andtheitoldyousos's review against another edition
5.0
This is the sort of book that requires some quiet wallowing time post-finish
I picked this one up because of the cover. I saw it featured at my local bookstore and put it in my basket without even reading the blurb on the back.
Had I read the blurb, I would have KNOWN that it was meant for me none the less, but something about the neon pile of bodies reached into my brain and demanded to be brought home.
Unfortunately, "brought home" was as far as the demand went. It sat in my literal TBR pile until several says ago, when I pulled it at random and was then unable to put it down again.
The Everlasting follows four separate-but-connected-without-being-trite stories; a biologist in 2017, an illegitimate Medici daughter in 1559, a monk in 897, and a young girl in 165. You will be tempted throughout to ask Wikipedia about these people and the kin that they mention, but DO NOT! This book is deeply researched, and most people mentioned are rooted in both fact and fanciful faith. If you google too far, you will spoil the intricate and glorious connections within.
The book begins with a quote from Shelley (not the badass Mary, but her foppish husband Percy):
Go Thou to Rome, - at once the Paradise,
The grave, the city, and the wilderness.
Each character fits into a time period mentioned above, and each section is a visceral account of Rome and the people within. You will taste the book. You will smell it. You will find yourself writhing in the vines and weather of the city on a hill.
I cannot tell you much more, but I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I clutched at my stomach and ached. I want to live in this novel.
I picked this one up because of the cover. I saw it featured at my local bookstore and put it in my basket without even reading the blurb on the back.
Had I read the blurb, I would have KNOWN that it was meant for me none the less, but something about the neon pile of bodies reached into my brain and demanded to be brought home.
Unfortunately, "brought home" was as far as the demand went. It sat in my literal TBR pile until several says ago, when I pulled it at random and was then unable to put it down again.
The Everlasting follows four separate-but-connected-without-being-trite stories; a biologist in 2017, an illegitimate Medici daughter in 1559, a monk in 897, and a young girl in 165. You will be tempted throughout to ask Wikipedia about these people and the kin that they mention, but DO NOT! This book is deeply researched, and most people mentioned are rooted in both fact and fanciful faith. If you google too far, you will spoil the intricate and glorious connections within.
The book begins with a quote from Shelley (not the badass Mary, but her foppish husband Percy):
Go Thou to Rome, - at once the Paradise,
The grave, the city, and the wilderness.
Each character fits into a time period mentioned above, and each section is a visceral account of Rome and the people within. You will taste the book. You will smell it. You will find yourself writhing in the vines and weather of the city on a hill.
I cannot tell you much more, but I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I clutched at my stomach and ached. I want to live in this novel.
katemariea514's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
reindeerbandit's review against another edition
2.0
i’d read a whole book about guilia, and i’d have liked more on prisca. pathetic tom can get fucked and felix was a big ol’ weirdo. also the thread that bound them all together was a fishhook? k. devil seems chill, though.
ciera's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
eluo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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
Prisca was my favorite
zac_johannes's review against another edition
2.0
Interesting themes. Hard to follow with audiobook. Wouldn't necessarily recommend this book but wouldn't stop someone from reading it.