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eggandart's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Siri Hustvedt writes novels of staggering beauty and psychological depth, and very few people read them. All demand close attention, and The Sorrows of An American is particularly intricate: its protagonist is a psychoanalyst, and it is *brimming* with signs and symbols. Press on! Its pattern will become apparent.
If you haven't read about the writing of this book, don't: there's a reveal about its execution toward the end of the acknowledgements that actually took my breath away.
If you haven't read about the writing of this book, don't: there's a reveal about its execution toward the end of the acknowledgements that actually took my breath away.
philippakmoore's review against another edition
3.0
A well written and unusual novel, which in parts struggled to keep my interest, and in other parts was fascinating. The sections where the protagonist, a psychiatrist, narrates sessions with his patients from his point of view were really well written, and fun to read. I like how Hustvedt's characters are so cerebral but never come across as stuffy or unrelatable. Their heads are often fun places to be in. I didn't enjoy it as much as "What I Loved" however. I liked it, but only enough to see it through to the end.
anniewill's review against another edition
2.0
The novel was a bit disconcerting to me in that there were no chapters at all. There was much discussion of the inner workings of the mind and in depth relating of the character's dreams. It all contributed to a novel which was intriguing yet a bit too metaphysical for my tastes.
pogseu's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I loved the way the narrator told the story of his bereavement and bordering on depression. The way the professional psychiatrist in him comes out to analyse everything, a dream, a gesture, a fantasy..
juniperx's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
momomo's review against another edition
4.0
Dense and challenging novel that’s filled with memorable characters and packs an emotional punch. Very refreshing after the mind-numbingly dumb Project Hail Mary.
aaanieta's review against another edition
2.0
So far my least favourite by Hustvedt, too many stories without a strong voice which might unite them, as it was the case with "What I Loved". The characters seem to be less real than in her other works, but still it is an intelligent and elegant piece of prose.
jasmiinaf's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed Hustvedt's writing but I was slightly disappointed with the story and the ending. There were too many things going on in the book and it wasn't too focused.