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annesofielovesliterature's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
msjoanna's review against another edition
3.0
This book gives a wonderful peek into the mind of a psychoanalyst working with his patients. These descriptions were by far the best part of the book - I'm tempted to give four stars just for that. The primary storyline, however, concerned the psychoanalyst's family and a tracing of a story from his recently deceased father. While the use of the author's father's journals was a lovely way for the author to collaborate with her father, and while the journals themselves were interesting, no truly compelling plot was really developed. Most of the characters seemed underdeveloped and somewhat random in their behavior and the book jumped around between storylines in ways that didn't quite hold together.
blueyorkie's review against another edition
4.0
For this first contact with the work of S. Husdvedt, I was served and came out respectful of the documentary power of this novel, mixed with quotes from his father's diary (.... a mixture full of talent). The springs and especially the hero's feelings are analyzed in the smallest detail, a Remarkable exercise, especially since it is about the intimacy of a man. In short, it's the neurotic New York psychoanalysis atmosphere à la Woody Allen, but much more severe and infinitely more detailed. Seemingly innocuous at first, the story slowly fades away, and you have to hang on to see the height of the author's reflections. You feel small but never overwhelmed.
slipperbunny'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.
mariclaireparrin's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ophrlia's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
nwhyte's review against another edition
2.0
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/2498122.html
It's pretty awful. The narrator is a New York psychiatrist who is in love with his lodger, having a love affair with one of his colleagues, and untangling family secrets of his own (not that exciting) and his lodger (a bit more exciting). There are lots of old letters written between Norwegian forebears, and traumatic memories of 9/11. It did very little for me.
It's pretty awful. The narrator is a New York psychiatrist who is in love with his lodger, having a love affair with one of his colleagues, and untangling family secrets of his own (not that exciting) and his lodger (a bit more exciting). There are lots of old letters written between Norwegian forebears, and traumatic memories of 9/11. It did very little for me.
petrauusimaa's review against another edition
2.0
In all honesty, I don't really know what to think about the book. I didn't just feel connected with it at all and that is why the whole reading experience was a struggle. Siri Hustvedt is skilled creating psychological atmosphere that makes you feel unsettled and thrilled but all in all, I disliked the language, the pacing of the book and didn't really feel anything towards any of the characters. I am a bit disappointed and underwhelmed because I wanted to like Hustvedt's writing style so much. There was just something that left me feel empty.
saipradhanreads's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoy Siri’s work, her use of language, obvious wide breadth of knowledge (which she draws upon unpretentiously- books, music, art, science..) and her seamless concoctions of complex ideas and plots. This book reflected all of that well but I give it three vs four stars because the density of the last quarter took on some tedium for me as I willed the plot to move at the same pace as her other skills.
heyvito's review against another edition
4.0
In all honesty, the only reason why I really like this book is because the characters go on long rambling streaks about philosophers and Freud.