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tikidream's review
3.0
I am a huge Oates fan, but this book was bloated and had too many stories going on. I did like the humanizing impact of people on both sides of this issue though.
charlottekaas's review against another edition
5.0
Holy cow, why the heck didn't I start reading Joyce Carol Oates sooner?! Her ability to handle heavy and/or controversial topics like abortion, religion, capital punishment, loss, grief etc. in such a nuanced and compassionate manner... I'm just blown away. Each side of the very current abortion debate is portrayed so unbiased and, well, human. This isn't a book about politics, but about the human perspectives and I will forever be impressed by Oates' ability to realistically portray such different people, views and beliefs. Sure, there is little doubt what her own standpoint is, but JCO still manages to make very character complex, rich and sympathetic in some way - even the murderous, religious fanatic! She must have empathy coming out her wazoo. Add to that her incredible writing and you may have one of the best authors writing today.
I'll have to read every single of her books now.
I'll have to read every single of her books now.
freddiealex2's review against another edition
2.5
This book had no right to be over 700 pages. Way too long, I lost interest at lots of different points before it pulled me back slightly, only to loose me again. The characters weren’t particularly interesting and the plot was too slow paced and boring. Some good stuff, like the beginning, but overall not great.
sperkinz's review against another edition
3.0
A great book in many ways and long passages that are very dull. Most of the main characters are either not interesting or they are not very likable.
peytonhaha's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
heatheralsip's review against another edition
3.0
This was very difficult to read. It was an interesting story about the polarization of our nation through the lens of an abortion doctor and his murderer and their families.
itsmarisag92's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
bookwormclare01's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25