Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Dubus can certainly write. This is an interesting study in two unlikable characters with their dreams killed in so many ways. It's depressing but certainly full of heart. As a reader you understand where both the main characters are coming from while simultaneously being disgusted about how they act in pursuit of their goals.
It's been hinted this may be one of the new classics. I can see that, but I think that by labeling the book as such (or even as an Oprah pick), we're doing it disservice. It will reach many types of readers in many different ways. It's a story of being human and being American in its rawest, grittiest sense.
It's been hinted this may be one of the new classics. I can see that, but I think that by labeling the book as such (or even as an Oprah pick), we're doing it disservice. It will reach many types of readers in many different ways. It's a story of being human and being American in its rawest, grittiest sense.
First two thirds was a snooze fest. Last third was good.
(Listened to this on audio book). Sometimes I pick a book I have no context for. I purposely skip the synopsis, don't read any reviews, just dive in and give it a try. That's what I did with House of Sand and Fog. Wow. I did not expect that. What started out as a pretty tame story of everyday misunderstandings built slowly and steadily over the course of the book into a full blown tragedy. I hadn't read Dubus before, but he's very good at characterization and these characters are going to be hard to forget.
This book was gripping but challenging. I enjoyed reading the same story from two different perspectives and really empathizing with both. The story moved nicely and had a lot of heart. If you're looking for an interesting storyline that will challenge your views, this may be a good choice.
dark
emotional
reflective
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
DOWN WITH OPRAH. I am pissed that a paperback version of this that doesn't have Oprah's Book Club draped all over it isn't available here. ARG.
Anyway, this is an excellent and surprisingly engaging story—not so much about real estate, but about the characters for whom the titular house means home, opportunity, love, loss, possibility... Much more engrossing than the recent film adaptation. A great book.
Anyway, this is an excellent and surprisingly engaging story—not so much about real estate, but about the characters for whom the titular house means home, opportunity, love, loss, possibility... Much more engrossing than the recent film adaptation. A great book.
It was ok, I was really only very engaged at the climax of the book. Otherwise the book was depressing without having any novel meaning for me.
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes