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pixie_d's review against another edition
3.0
A book discussion group selection. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
broncoannee's review
4.0
I liked this book a lot better than the last one I read by this author. Complex characters, but with a purpose and some redeeming qualities. Interesting format as well, with diary entries and interviews intermingled.
nssutton's review
4.0
A lovely gem. Whoever in my RSS feeds was reading this, thank you a thousand times over for bringing Jami Attenberg's storytelling into my reading life. I fell hook, line, and sinker for her style - the way she presented so many different angles on Mazie, and her life, but also on the documentarian's and those sharing their own stories. After reading the final line, I immediately put a hold on The Middlesteins. Mazie's voice and character were so strong and well done, as was the presentation of that slice of New York's history. I really do mean to find and read the article that this story is based on (Mazie by Joseph Mitchell in Up in the Old Hotel) but, well, if you've read enough of these, you know how overwhelming all of my to-read books and lists and apps and piles can be.
sandhills_kt's review
4.0
I loved Mazie. She was wild, unruly, tough, loving and loveable.
I am not a huge fan of books written in this format but Attenburg's writing style didn't allow me to hate it. A lovely read full of feelings.
I am not a huge fan of books written in this format but Attenburg's writing style didn't allow me to hate it. A lovely read full of feelings.
heartofoak1's review
2.0
read it because i read about the "real" saint mazie in joseph mitchell's "up in the old hotel." this book was ok, didn't like the disjointed way the story was told (multiple storytellers/interviewees/characters or whatever you want to call them) interesting(ish) glimpse into life in the NYC Bowery during the 20's & 30s.
amberlinn's review
3.0
3.5 stars. This was a really fascinating slice of life and a peek into the gritty life of NYC during the roaring 20s and Great Depression. I really enjoyed it and the structure of diary/interview, up until the very end where I felt it unraveled and wrapped up with a very weak ending.
I am very intrigued by this being based on an actual woman.
I am very intrigued by this being based on an actual woman.
misajane79's review against another edition
4.0
Such a wonderful book and character. The author doesn't waste time explaining the structure of the book or filling in holes, and I respect that so much. Absolutely delightful.
beentsy's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the story was fleshed out by a wide variety of people telling their memories or their family's memories of Mazie, sometimes many, many years later.
And I kind of loved Louis. He was such a gently and kind man at home with his family but had so many layers of life happening outside of the home.
And I kind of loved Louis. He was such a gently and kind man at home with his family but had so many layers of life happening outside of the home.