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the_eggelstone's review against another edition
4.0
I‘ve enjoyed reading this novel for the most part and the two timelines (one set in Chicago in the 1980s and one in Paris of 2015) were a clever device to reflect on different topics and mirror characters and their development. However, the part in the 80s was far more interesting in my opinion and Yale a more sympathetic character than Fiona, who remained a little flat throughout.
I felt the story lost somehow its steam and drive shortly before the book finished. The last 80 pages or so felt a bit rushed to wrap things up, especially since main plot points were somehow resolved and I lost interest on how it would continue. It felt like an overlong epilogue.
Nonetheless I enjoyed the book that has great characters about a time that deserves to be read and remembered.
I felt the story lost somehow its steam and drive shortly before the book finished. The last 80 pages or so felt a bit rushed to wrap things up, especially since main plot points were somehow resolved and I lost interest on how it would continue. It felt like an overlong epilogue.
Nonetheless I enjoyed the book that has great characters about a time that deserves to be read and remembered.
rcc328's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
5.0
hamstersinmypantsters's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
danielaxsi's review against another edition
5.0
Uhhh hi I’m back. I needed a brain break from reading during the shit show that was 2023. But we are back for 2024
lammeyb's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mariaasensio's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
amygionta's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
What a read! While it did start out a little slow, once I got more invested in the characters it flew by. A poignant look at the AIDS crisis from a view I had not read prior, putting you in the middle of the unknown and seeing it wreak havoc on the lives of many. The additional storyline with Fiona and her daughter was also interesting, but slightly less gripping. I was unsure what parallels were to be drawn from that side. Overall, I loved this book and ended it in a puddle of tears!
marysessions's review against another edition
5.0
laughed and cried. following a group of friends through the AIDS pandemic as they get sick. follows the sister of one of the men as she bares the memories of these men throughout her life. long read but one of my favorite books in awhile.