Reviews

This book created the most delicious tension: I wanted to turn the pages quickly to see how the plot unfolded, but I also wanted to read slowly because Oates' descriptions are so richly drawn! I'd maybe read one or two of her short stories in the past -- so glad I found this novel. Though the characters often made frustrating decisions, it felt very human.

todomo's review against another edition

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dark sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

beckca03's review against another edition

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2.0

Eh, I wish this book had been better. In fairness, I did listen to an abridged version (which I always promise myself I wont do) and at first I assumed that's why I couldn't get into it - it was just too plot-driven. But as it wrapped up, I didn't even like the plot. It seemed too much like a highbrow Jodi Picoult novel, whereas the major themes were left unpursued. I think I'll also avoid "Oprah" books too from now on. Very predictable and unfulfilling.

teatoto's review against another edition

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5.0

Questo libro che racconta la storia dei Mulvaney è appena entrato nei preferiti della mia vita. Mulo, Pizzicotto, Germoglio e Ranger mi rimarranno sempre impressi nella mente, ma soprattutto gli ultimi tre e il loro amore fraterno, che mi posso solo immaginare, che posso solo sognare. È una storia angosciante quella dei Mulvaney, una storia di digregamento, di presa di posizioni opposte, di amore per i figli soffocato e di dolore taciuto. Marianne è forse l’eroina? Oppure Patrick? Oppure Judd, figlio minore, che racconta gli eventi così come li percepisce con i suoi occhi da bambino, in modo sfumato e confuso, anche se emotivamente è presente e coinvolto tanto quanto i fratelli maggiori? Chi può dirlo? La vera protagonista è forse proprio la famiglia, che è quasi un’entità a sè, più dell’insieme dei suoi membri. Una famiglia che si disfà e si rifà, in un processo crudele e infelice, che strappa lacrime amare non solo ai protagonisti, non solo a Marianne o a Patrick o a Judd o a Fischietto, una madre impotente, priva di coraggio e troppo sottomessa, ma anche al lettore, che si cala in questa storia come se facesse parte dei Mulvaney da sempre. È un libro lento, ma stupendo e immersivo. Che scrittura magistrale quella di Joyce Carol Oates!

genannj's review against another edition

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5.0

I read this book twice several years ago. I consider this to be my favorite book of all time. The book really has it all including being a real page turner. It also has several realistic plot lines and shows how a family’s worries about their reputation can end up doing more harm than good.

Oates is a fabulous writer but I have to say this is her best book ever! I highly recommend it and would read it again and again.

jwilding's review against another edition

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5.0

Note to self: From now on, please don't forget that Joyce Carol Oates books simply destroy you. Make sure you have the emotional bandwidth before you crack one open.

mcnallyswife's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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