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sofiaaa_lee's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
coleyannknits's review against another edition
dark
sad
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? No
2.5
fictionista3's review against another edition
So. Boring. Could not fathom spending 200+ more pages with these characters.
finfortess's review against another edition
2.0
This was a very strange book. It seduced me in the beginning with it's talk of Greek Gods and it's elegant prose, but as it went on it became more boring, more confusing, and less enjoyable. I was confused with who was talking as the POV switches weren't apparent, until it was too late. In reality, nothing of great importance happens in 273 pages. I wouldn't recommend this book.
astroemi's review against another edition
4.0
Tiene una prosa increíble, pero poco qué ofrecer en términos de historia. Casi es suficiente para compensarlo, pero no.
nikki_rgs's review against another edition
2.0
Just. What was the point? Everyone is exactly the same at the beginning as they are at the end. There is no plot, so to speak. POV switches inexplicably. The only reason I kept reading was because the prose was beautiful in some parts (when it wasn't over-the-top), and I kept thinking, "well maybe there's hope." Then it got so pretentious and highfalutin that I began to personify it as guy who wears a fedora and says "m'lady." My parting thought was "who cares?"
arielml's review against another edition
Couldn't really get into it. Gave up after maybe twenty pages. It was sort of annoyingly pretentious.
sloatsj's review against another edition
3.0
The story is about a brilliant mathematician who has had a stroke, and lies in a upper room of his home - the Skyroom - expiring. His family gathers around, joined by the household help, the children's significant others, and a trio of Greek gods. They are a singular lot.
The most light-hearted of Banville's books I've read so far, not that it's a romp. As ever, Banville's strength is his shimmering prose. The story was also enjoyable, and all the more novel for the gods trying to influence the characters' lives and actions, mostly for the good.
The most light-hearted of Banville's books I've read so far, not that it's a romp. As ever, Banville's strength is his shimmering prose. The story was also enjoyable, and all the more novel for the gods trying to influence the characters' lives and actions, mostly for the good.
abroadwell's review against another edition
3.0
Too slow for me.
The language was beautiful, but nothing seemed to be happening. The narrative perspective of a god (Mercury) gave the story an oddly detached sense which made it hard for me to invest myself in the book.
The language was beautiful, but nothing seemed to be happening. The narrative perspective of a god (Mercury) gave the story an oddly detached sense which made it hard for me to invest myself in the book.