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yazzzzberry's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
dfvictorie's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
Well, I think this just may be my favorite Ali Smith book!
vsb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
loodle's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
I went to Ferrara to see the Palazzo Schifanoia in real life, and finished the book that night. I read George's story before Francesco's, and can't imagine reading it the other way around.
I like how obsessed with a single piece of artwork this story was.
I felt so sad for George. It was so funny when her father sees her on the iPad in the yard and wonders why she can't have normal teenaged problems. Was George's mother being followed by the authorities? We will never know.
I appreciated the almost stream-of-consciousness narration of Francesco's story, and the contrast in pacing between part one and two.
I like how obsessed with a single piece of artwork this story was.
I felt so sad for George. It was so funny when her father sees her on the iPad in the yard and wonders why she can't have normal teenaged problems. Was George's mother being followed by the authorities? We will never know.
I appreciated the almost stream-of-consciousness narration of Francesco's story, and the contrast in pacing between part one and two.
moominess's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Kind of a masterpiece of contemporary fiction, but it took me a while to get into and by the end of it I was left wanting more (though in a way maybe that was the point?)
hivanoff's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
syafa's review against another edition
funny
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
3.75
Kinda difficult to understand in the beginning, which mirrors the experience of the first person POV so it works. You get the hang of how to read it eventually but at the same time some sentences are half-finished and structured unconventionally which requires some focus when reading. Interesting themes though the writing usually makes you work to articulate your thoughts yourself vs giving you a pretty, punchy sentence. The first part (ironic given they're both "one") feels a lot less direct and since it's in a more unfamiliar setting to the reader, requires more thought work to understand. I think I preferred it to the second half though, a more interesting life because of its unfamiliarity. Funny in a sardonic kinda way (also ironic because that's how she's described in the book)