Reviews

Manhattan Transfer by John Dos Passos

joeyoudan's review against another edition

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0.25

Jean-Paul Satre employed the term ‘Kaleidoscope’ as a textual metonym in reference to this text. This specific utilisation appears to be referring to the broad scope of narratives this novel fluctuates in and between, and Satre appears to be on the right lines with his terminology here. The novel is a kaleidoscope of bullshit.

With the finals in tatters, we desperately needed dos Passos to do us a favour, but his portrait of early twentieth century New York life frequently veers into bland vitriol and senseless intrigue. A poor showing. The most telling aspect in this famous portrait of American life is how it frequently refers back to the conflict and turmoil of the European continent- a place of much superior interest that I would much rather be hearing about, rather than this boring American nonsense. 

valerie_gruber's review against another edition

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dark sad slow-paced

3.0

liillyy's review against another edition

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adventurous funny slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.5

lizawall's review against another edition

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4.0

I learned the hard way that it is probably not a good idea to read this book if you are already feeling restless.

alexysvalenzuela's review against another edition

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5.0

La primera de las tres partes es la que menos me agradó, es bastante dispersa, pero a partir de la segunda la fuerza poética de la ciudad de NY no deja de sorprenderte. Dos Passos dejó un EXCELENTE libro. Memorable y te deja con un buen sabor de boca.

beauforet's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

briidgetotoole's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jplassman's review against another edition

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3.0

I wasn't that interested in the characters but I kept reading because I was fascinated by the description of NYC in first 25 years of the 20th century. It was both foreign and familiar and I don't know if he rendered the feel of the city accurately but it seemed as though he did.

mcfade28's review against another edition

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I unfortunately didn't connect with this book at all. Too many characters with too many unrelated story threads, and I didn't find many of them overly compelling. Will avoid leaving a rating as I think my attention span was the main issue

alexcolleyhart's review against another edition

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challenging medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0