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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
this book was a series of unfortunate events that could have been prevented. nothing happy happened in the book and the ending was just as shocking and sad. it was well written and captured the differing view points quite well, but was too tragic for me to fully enjoy.
I felt sympathy for some of the characters but never got to a place where I could feel empathy for any of them. Each of the characters seemed to feel like their situations just happened to them, whereas their choices clearly led them to each stage of their story.
3.5 stars rounded down just because I don't think I would ever read/listen to this again and it is disturbing in a way that I wouldn't necessarily feel good about recommending it. However the narrators are good and the story kept me hooked (I got through the 14 hour audiobook in less than 24 hours).
I really really did not like this cop. It was all I could think about for the majority of the book. I noticed partway through that his sections were all in third person rather than first, so I wonder if maybe he would have felt more likeable if his sections were also first person? I doubt it, but it has given me something to think about. The other two main characters were not particularly likable, but they each had an understandable motivation and point of view.
The other thing that I found really interesting about listening to this book is that it is the first time in a while that I have read a book set in the 1990's that was also written in the 1990's. Initially I found myself wondering when the book was set because it was clearly not anytime near 2020, and when I saw that it was released in 1999 meant that it was "current" in a way that didn't really need explanation at that time, but really feels "not current" 25 years later. The level of technology that was available/not available influenced the plot compared to more current books, but because of the fact that it was written when it was, it was not something that could have been conceived of.
I really really did not like this cop. It was all I could think about for the majority of the book. I noticed partway through that his sections were all in third person rather than first, so I wonder if maybe he would have felt more likeable if his sections were also first person? I doubt it, but it has given me something to think about. The other two main characters were not particularly likable, but they each had an understandable motivation and point of view.
The other thing that I found really interesting about listening to this book is that it is the first time in a while that I have read a book set in the 1990's that was also written in the 1990's. Initially I found myself wondering when the book was set because it was clearly not anytime near 2020, and when I saw that it was released in 1999 meant that it was "current" in a way that didn't really need explanation at that time, but really feels "not current" 25 years later. The level of technology that was available/not available influenced the plot compared to more current books, but because of the fact that it was written when it was, it was not something that could have been conceived of.
An emotional wringer of a book. Reading this felt like I was stuck in place and forced to watch an inevitable car crash come to a head.
Andre Dubus II presents two sides of a story and lets the reader choose which side to stand on, and I love that about this novel. A gripping plot with extremely flawed characters kept my eyes glued to the pages!
Andre Dubus II presents two sides of a story and lets the reader choose which side to stand on, and I love that about this novel. A gripping plot with extremely flawed characters kept my eyes glued to the pages!
Gripping. Even though it's another one of those depressing, death-and-angst Oprah books.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Slow first half, there’s a lot of exposition setting up the two characters’ perspectives, but once they start clashing the pace moves a lot quicker. A complicated story, you sympathize with both characters but don’t find yourself really rooting for either. A good book to match the mood of a melancholy cloudy day.
Beautifully written horrifying painful tale. I love the prose, the descriptions, but the story was hard to take, deeply sad and hopeless.
Upon reading the first few pages, I didn't think I'd be interested in the genre (I'm more of a horror fan, really). I gave it some time, and found myself halfway through the book. The writing is engaging and held my interest. I am slightly disappointed in the ending; I'm not one for loose ends, and I felt that it could have been tidied up a bit better. Overall, one of the best books I have read this year.
It’s a really good book. I just can’t give it five stars because it is so dark and so depressing. Kind of sorry I read it, as it has left me feeling icky and sad.