Reviews

Tuesday Nights in 1980 by Molly Prentiss

lauren_michelle's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful sad 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? Yes

4.0

divya_s_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

sksrenninger's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I liked these characters, and the magically-drawn setting really made them come alive. I'm not convinced that synesthesia makes you psychic in the way that Prentiss seemed to suggest James is, so I'm not sure how plausible his character is, but it was a really fascinating idea and the imagery is exciting. The way the author changes tense on occasion, and uses the "portrait of a __ by a __" technique, is a bit fussy, but I think that on the whole it was a successful way to capture the vibrant tension and energies of the moment and the characters.

checkplease's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

4.75 Stars

littletaiko's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Set primarily in New York City during 1980 this book provides a look at a more gritty New York that hadn't been cleaned up yet and become the tourist mecca that it is today. Three people make up the core of this story: an art critic, an up and coming artist, and a young woman who has just moved to New York from a small town. The art aspect of the book was what drew me in as I really enjoyed all the modern art references.

bethanyjnz's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

4.0

juliebcooper's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This is one of those books that you're surprised is a debut novel, but then it's also so astonishingly original and delightful and creative, that of course it has to be a debut novel.

Will be recommending this far and wide.

colorfulleo92's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

A well written and good book, but wasn't really my taste or I just read it at a bad time

viewtoakel's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This book is everything. I loved it so much that I almost cried when it ended.
That's my review because if I start typing more I might never stop.

karenleagermain's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Thank you to Gallery/Scout Press for providing me with an advanced copy of Molly Prentiss' novel, Tuesday Nights in 1980, in exchange for an honest review.

PLOT- In her debut novel, Tuesday Nights in 1980, Molly Prentiss takes us to the vibrant art scene in New York city. Raul Engales is a young, talented painter and recent expat from Argentina, leaving behind a sister and nephew in an increasingly dangerous country. Raul meets Lucy Ollaison, a small town girl with a passion for art, who has moved to New York on a whim. James Bennett does not possess a physical talent for art, but his unique eye and perspectives have turned him into a respected art critic. In the span of one year, these characters will have their lives intersect in an unlikely way, altering their futures.

LIKE- Tuesday Nights in 1980 is a utterly surprising read. I don't want to risk spoilers, but know that it was impossible to predict the plot turns and overall story arc. Prentiss has created memorable characters that feel so much like real people. I kept forgetting that I was reading fiction, rather than a non-fiction account of the 80's art scene. To be fair, Prentiss does sprinkle the story with real people from the era. If you're knowledgable about art from that era, you'll get a kick out of the references.

Besides creating a compelling story and rich characters, Prentiss is a stunning writer. She's the type of writer, where I really had to slow myself down to appreciate her gorgeous prose. New York City is a character, and she has a way of writing about the city that encompasses all that is wondrous, gritty, and beautiful. Besides the city, she has the art world providing great material for lush, and occasionally unusual descriptive prose. Tuesday Nights in 1980 is a visual feast. My imagination was working overtime to process it all. It's overwhelming in the best way possible.

DISLIKE- Nothing.

RECOMMEND- Yes!!! Tuesday Nights in 1980 will be a book that everyone is talking about in 2016. Prentiss is a fantastic writer and I'm looking forward to her future works.

Like my review? Check out my blog!