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eb2114's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kdawn999's review against another edition
4.0
This book was exciting on a couple of levels—sprawling narrative on the margins of WWII, exciting Houdini-esque escape attempts, the nascent art of comics and graphic novels, and reflection on what heroes and golems are for. There was not a moment I was bored. The writing is clever and packed with witty references. A few criticisms from our book club included a very poorly written moment describing the aftermath of a rape (we all hated this moment, and we generally thought Chabon’s handling of homosexuality in this book was trite) and some awkward time jumps that skipped over important years. But overall for me this was a delightful read. I read it alongside Maus I&II, which were strong supplemental material to this.
ingread27's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! I read it years ago, almost 15 even. I lent it to someone and actually bought a second copy when it didn't get returned. Not that I've read it again - but maybe one day. I recall being completely absorbed in this story from cover to cover. Humour and sadness all rolled together. Great read!
narpetcards's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
maura_kathleen's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
skmcclelland's review against another edition
3.0
It was a long time ago and I remember really liking it... so much so that seven years later, I forced my husband to read it too. Of course, when he wanted to talk about it, I couldn't remember anything, so perhaps it's time for a re-read.
gdairaghi's review
4.0
Striking sentences, detailed historical context, emotional plot lines and character development. I did feel my engagement waning at points
lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. It has everything. Superheroes. Magicians. Historical fiction. Good story. Up until the last third of this book it was a 5. No doubt. The last bit jumps through time it was hard for me to keep up. It got less lighthearted and much slower. Overall loved.
mollyluckhurst's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
beautiful and heart-wrenching; as good now as it was when i first read it