Reviews - The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta

1.28k reviews for:

The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta

Tom Perrotta, Tom Perrotta

3.41 AVERAGE

hangrim's review against another edition

3.5

slow-paced

Loveable characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

flinkman's review against another edition

4.0

Good read, finishes quite abruptly, but satisfying by this books standard

amberlou105's review against another edition

2.75

fast-paced

This could have used a stronger editor. I feel like a few characters could have been lifted completely out (Tom, Nora, Aimee) to further expand some of the other plotlines. Or give Tom a bigger and more interesting role because his could have been arguably the most interesting part of the story but it was just lackluster and there wasn't enough time dedicated to it to make me care.

jaina8851's review against another edition

2.75

challenging reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I was a bit disappointed by this given how much I *loved* the TV show. It just didn't reach into my chest and grab me the way the show did. I felt much more detached from the characters and there didn't feel like there was a lot of tension. Which maybe was part of the point, because I think one of the themes of the book was about how a world up-ending catastrophe can happen and life just... goes on, but it just wasn't what I was expecting. One thing that I did find extremely well done in this book was how presciently it described the fallout from a global crisis. I watched the show pre-2020 and now reading the book post-2020, all of the character's reactions to the Sudden Departure took on a different dimension of reality. Glad I read it, but not one I'd recommend to people. The show is just a lot better for once.

ghostycell's review against another edition

3.75

challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

historysworstmonster's review against another edition

4.0

I had been intrigued by the concept since I heard the author on Fresh Air. After watching the first episode of the HBO show I decided it would be good to read on the plane home from our honeymoon. Now when Myron asks me who someone is on the show I'll know the answer.

ahoeft09's review against another edition

3.0

I hate to betray all book readers as I say this, but I liked the TV show so much better than this book?! I feel like none of the characters are likeable, and the story is too shallow. I wish more detail had been given to the “suddenly departure” because that is so interesting. And Nora?!?!? I HATED her?!? She was the worst! Go watch the tv show.