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jessthemama's review against another edition
4.0
The way this book was written is so UNIQUE! I loved it for that. Each chapter had a different narrator from Astra's life. Through other's eyes, you watch her life and experiences unfold. It took a second for me to get into, but then I couldn't put it down! Lovely, easy read. 3.5⭐
dibenallie's review against another edition
5.0
Astra is still one of the best books I read this year and it's now August. The writing and storytelling were utterly magnificent. The plot was unique to me. I highly recommend this to all my friends/clients that are avid readers. I can't wait to see what Cedar Bowers puts out next.
shan88's review against another edition
3.5
BPD to the max and looking at how it shaped her life and those around her. I felt half way through it lost the focus of her and just over focused on the other people's lives which was okay but I wanted more on Astras life
bergamotandbooks's review against another edition
5.0
5 STARS
If you could see yourself as others saw you, would you be any closer to the truth of who you really are? In the tradition of Olive Kitteridge and Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl, Astra is a beguiling debut novel that reveals the different faces of one enigmatic woman, as seen through the eyes of ten people she encounters over the course of six decades.
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ASTRA is a very interesting novel, as it's namesake is never the narrator. Reading like biographical memoir, we learn about Astra through the eyes of and thoughts of those that she interacts with over her lifetime. Full of unreliable narrators, I found myself enjoying the act of piecing together the puzzle to figure out who the "real" Astra was.
Realistic, bittersweet and very well written.
If you could see yourself as others saw you, would you be any closer to the truth of who you really are? In the tradition of Olive Kitteridge and Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl, Astra is a beguiling debut novel that reveals the different faces of one enigmatic woman, as seen through the eyes of ten people she encounters over the course of six decades.
.
.
.
ASTRA is a very interesting novel, as it's namesake is never the narrator. Reading like biographical memoir, we learn about Astra through the eyes of and thoughts of those that she interacts with over her lifetime. Full of unreliable narrators, I found myself enjoying the act of piecing together the puzzle to figure out who the "real" Astra was.
Realistic, bittersweet and very well written.
rubyii's review against another edition
4.0
I was intrigued by the premise and then by the structure. While I loved the idea of learning about Astra through the eyes of those in her life, I felt like there was an aspect missing, that kept me from being bewitched by her. Although, maybe that was the point? The people in her life seemed obsessed with Astra, as most of their narrative revolved around her—which makes sense, Astra is the storyline—but I had a hard time believing Astra was worthy of the obsession? Surely she had a singular upbringing, but from the evidence presented by the people she interacts with she seems to live a life typical of what I’d expect from a victim of childhood neglect. An ‘average’ response to it? Because we’re so distanced from Astra, it’s hard to know which of her victories were hard won, which defeats she was accountable for… An interesting book to be sure, but missed the mark a little for my taste. Wanted more of Astra.
themaritimereader14's review against another edition
4.0
Last week, I spent an enthralling 9 hours (4.5 on double speed, actually) listening to Astra - which had been on my list for a few months after several friends loved it. This was QUITE the story and told in such a unique way - I am blown away by Cedar Bowers' debut. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the story, but once I got the hang of the format (a life story about a girl/woman named Astra told from the point of view of 10 people in her life), I was really quite intrigued about the character as well as all those close to her.
Despite not loving all of the subject matter, I did truly feel that the writing in this book was absolutely exquisite and it was fascinating to imagine what one's life could be like after being raised the way Astra was (by her father who was not the best father figure overall on a commune in BC).
This story is unforgettable and the way it was told was so unique - definitely recommend for fans of literary fiction.
Despite not loving all of the subject matter, I did truly feel that the writing in this book was absolutely exquisite and it was fascinating to imagine what one's life could be like after being raised the way Astra was (by her father who was not the best father figure overall on a commune in BC).
This story is unforgettable and the way it was told was so unique - definitely recommend for fans of literary fiction.
urgirlkomi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.75
bcgg's review against another edition
4.0
I did not look up anything about this book before reading it, trusting that it must be good if a nominee for the Giller in 2021. I was not disappointed. I highly recommend it.
amandamarie793's review against another edition
4.0
I flew threw this book right to the almost-end and then I was stuck. Astra became an adult and I ended up sympathizing and understanding her more. It was easier in the beginning when I disliked her, and the story was awkward and uncomfy… but those last few chapters really turned a corner and I actually felt for her… beautiful story, very well done!