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mia_w's review against another edition
4.0
There were moments that were a little slow for me, but there were more lovely, beautiful moments that made me really enjoy the novel overall.
paulzalemur's review against another edition
3.0
Ok. Overall this book was ok. I think it would be a good discussion point for a philosophy class, breaking down the various philosophies mentioned throughout the text and going into deeper talks about death and suicide and the morality or immorality of Paloma making that choice for herself.
I figured at the start after she said the specific date that she would kill herself and her methods for looking for something to live for, I figured she wouldn't end up killing herself. Part of what kept me reading was seeing what ended up keeping her from doing it.
I figured at the start after she said the specific date that she would kill herself and her methods for looking for something to live for, I figured she wouldn't end up killing herself. Part of what kept me reading was seeing what ended up keeping her from doing it.
steffers7's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm... My feelings on this book are varied. The prose and ideas woven into the story were excellent. So on a literary level I would give it top marks. The points she makes were well thought out - - ideas such as feeling trapped in your place in life and whether or not you can escape your fate. The book was still accessible though - - I didn't find it a difficult read and never struggled to pick it up.
***BIG Spoiler ahead - do not read if you don't want it spoiled***
However, I did NOT like the way it ended. The book reminded me of something from the movie Stranger than Fiction. In the movie, a well-respected writer is writing a story, and in order for the book to be truly excellent literature, according to the experts, the main character (Harold) has to die. I hated that idea, and rooted for Harold to live. Well, apparently this author thought the same thing. Yep, here's that spoiler - the main character dies at the end. I'm sure there is some deep, profound, wonderful truth that only resonates because she dies. Well, blah blah blah. I hate that ending, it only served to the book's detriment for me. It made it depressing and hopeless. Sure, she said some inspiring stuff. But for me, the ending sucked and ruined the book. So maybe that makes me someone who can't appreciate good literature. Or maybe it was a sucky way to end a book. Probably, though, that is purely a subjective thing. But you know where I stand.
***BIG Spoiler ahead - do not read if you don't want it spoiled***
However, I did NOT like the way it ended. The book reminded me of something from the movie Stranger than Fiction. In the movie, a well-respected writer is writing a story, and in order for the book to be truly excellent literature, according to the experts, the main character (Harold) has to die. I hated that idea, and rooted for Harold to live. Well, apparently this author thought the same thing. Yep, here's that spoiler - the main character dies at the end. I'm sure there is some deep, profound, wonderful truth that only resonates because she dies. Well, blah blah blah. I hate that ending, it only served to the book's detriment for me. It made it depressing and hopeless. Sure, she said some inspiring stuff. But for me, the ending sucked and ruined the book. So maybe that makes me someone who can't appreciate good literature. Or maybe it was a sucky way to end a book. Probably, though, that is purely a subjective thing. But you know where I stand.
kb_hg's review against another edition
Dnf @ 40%. I only cared about one POV but not enough
mariethereader1981's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed it, in part because the elegance of the writing stretched beyond my usual everyday reading, vocabulary, but also because there was enough of the element of the slightly absurd (how out of their element both autodidacts feel) to keep it entertaining. I appreciate the storylines that focused on the beauty of movement, of all things converging towards beauty, of the role Art plays. I loved the role that Japanese culture played. I was surprised at what I felt was a sudden ending to the story, but I need to mull over that more.
ginnygay16's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely loved this book… beautifully written, interesting characters, well developed, thought provoking. Life & death…
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
4.0
So everyone that came to this party before me is right. This is a rather get you hooked, stomp on your heart and give you back life type of a book.
Though the secret wasn’t that secret, and it could have focused on race and class a bit more.
juliaparker78's review against another edition
2.0
I have a new theory. If I'm not into a book after 100 pages, it's time to let it go. Farewell Elegance of the Hedgehog.
j_vd's review against another edition
4.0
Good overall and interesting, but sometimes could be a bit long-winded. The second-half is much better than the first.