Reviews

Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

katherine_alexis's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

leflambeur's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Packs a to a relatively short book. Well written nicely entwining plot.

shameika's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous inspiring fast-paced

4.25

kindredspiritreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

My in-person book club voted to read this novel for our science fiction month.

Two centuries after Edwin St. Andrew has an odd experience in the British Columbia wilderness, the same experience is described in a book written by Olive Llewellyn. Then, detective Gaspery-Jacques Roberts begins to investigate an anomaly in the Canadian wilderness. Gaspery-Jacques has a decision to make. Will he leave things as they are, or disrupt the timeline of the universe?

I will start by saying that I am not a sci-fi reader. I did enjoy the author’s writing style which is what helped me get through this book. It is beautifully written. I’m afraid I just don’t have much interest in pondering whether we’re living in a simulation or what time travel might look like and how it might affect our lives. I also didn’t enjoy the pandemic aspect of the story because, honestly, I just don’t want to read about pandemics.

book_koala's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

jlsjourneys's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I’m not sure anyone does compelling, non-traumatic, thoughtful reads better than Mandel these days. (Well, for me.) I thoroughly loved reading this book, the end made me catch my breath in the very best way, and I read a special edition with a bonus chapter of Marienbad, the book referenced within this book, and I’d buy that tomorrow. Thanks for reminding me that reading for pleasure can make me think, be sheer enjoyment, AND come in at under 500 pages.

nyama's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious reflective relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

This book rewards patience. The first 25% or so is a bit confusing, but it all comes together. 
A quiet book. 
The audio version was nicely done, with four separate voice actors. 

selenityelizabeth's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

yeahnaar's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A fun concept, but the plot does feel somewhat flimsy and low stakes by the end. The writing is mostly engaging though, but nothing in the book stands out as exceptional. It’s an enjoyable read but won’t blow your mind

morganj's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75