Reviews

Homestead by Melinda Moustakis

emhansen's review against another edition

Slow and very rustic didn’t catch my attention

marma906's review

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.5

Good descriptive language regarding  setting. That’s the only positive. Plot line was just not it. 

merit_willa's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad tense 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

2.0

elisafaith80's review

dark emotional hopeful sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

krobart's review

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 I felt some distance from both of these characters but found the story fascinating nonetheless. It is written telegraphically, in short, sometimes partial sentences. Despite the descriptions of such activities as plowing, building a cabin, or planting potatoes, this novel is mostly a study of two distinct characters.  For my complete review, see: https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2024/03/07/review-2325-homestead/

heidisreads's review

5.0

I’ve been chasing the feeling I had after finishing Kristin Hannah’s The Great Alone for years. So when I read a review of Homestead by Melinda Moustakis that said something like, “Alaska. 1856. Two people lock eyes, fall in love and marry days later. However, the idea of homesteading is what they’re really in love with.” I knew I had to give this book my attention.

It consumed my rainy day on vacation. I got up early and stayed up late and read every moment of the rest of the day. And that feeling I’ve been chasing, I felt it. Not as strongly as the first time, but that’s to be expected.

This book has the setting and the gritty, difficult and dark moments for the characters just like The Great Alone has. It’s slower-paced, though. I think I’m done chasing that feeling - satisfied in knowing there are other experiences out there for me consume on another rainy day.

caitlinlibrarian's review

adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

olivianicole2024's review

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

lgindc's review

• Strong character development? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

dayzee28's review

3.0

I enjoyed reading most of the book. The setting and characters were interesting, until I came to lose respect for Lawrence and Marie. Lawrence broke his word to Marie out of pure selfishness. I sympathize with Marie’s youth, loneliness, heartbreak, and disillusionment. For most of her journey. She desperately wanted a baby, but then all she could do was complain about her infant crying. I was especially disappointed that when Lawrence broke a promise that was so, so important to her, she quickly gave up and forgave him. I expected her to defy her times and be stronger.
Also would have liked a longer time frame. Did they have the 12 kids that Lawrence wanted without a thought to his wife’s opinion on the matter.