Scan barcode
jessluvsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 very solid stars. While certain sections of this 100-year saga held my attention marvelously, there were others that seemed to trudge on forever. At more than 600 pages, that adds up to quite a bit of dead space in between some truly fantastic storytelling. That said, this book is a fun blend of nautical history, dramatic fiction, seafaring legend, and memorable character sketches and definitely worth exploring.
thecoolerjaci's review against another edition
4.0
I have very mixed feelings, but the parts that were good were so good that it may be one of the best books I read this year.
dangodk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kikosma's review against another edition
4.0
Technically, I would've given this one 3.5 stars, but couldn't, so 4 stars it is. This is a hefty tome of a novel about Danish sailors, which at first I thought I'd end up abandoning, but it somehow pulled me in. Some interesting characters and storylines in this one, although the writing style was a bit disjointed. I'd say it's worth a read.
ericcarstens's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Misogyny and Rape
bookslapbritt's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic, epic journey of a read. Love the generations of characters and discovering how all their stories connect. Would love to have a diagram connecting them all at the end because it's close to 700 pages, and by that time it's hard to remember over a century of characters and happenings! But the writing is phenomenal. Totally worth the read and totally worth buying it in Copenhagen and carrying it in my backpack around Europe for the next two months and bringing it back to USA. One of my new favorite, cozy books.
clarkissimo's review against another edition
5.0
It took me an embarrassingly long time to read this book, and there were times that I thought I might leave it unfinished. I’m so glad I persevered. It’s a daunting, harsh, often brutal epic balanced by fleeting moments of surprising wonder, beauty, and an omnipresent, expansive allegiance to the humanity of its deeply flawed cast of characters. Their lives are often bleak, but Jensen never abandons them. Be patient with this novel and you will be rewarded.
jmsmusings's review against another edition
4.0
Great Scott, this book took me 2 months to read! 690 pages of Danish sailors was a lot to take in and I'm not sure how I feel about it. It held my attention and made me want to see what was going to happen, but now I feel like I've been through something and can't describe it. I'm exhausted.
akawilson's review against another edition
4.0
"The minister called it morality. Albert called it honour. In the church you were accountable to God. On a ship you were accountable to everyone. That made a ship a better place to learn."