Reviews

Die Clique by Mary McCarthy

lauradoyaga's review against another edition

medium-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

5.0

Was not expecting to love this book so much based on the reviews. But this was such an enjoyable read - it was fascinating to see the lives of women in the 1930s and compare how much and how little has changed since then. I’ll be thinking about this book and some of its characters for a long time. 

avid_read's review against another edition

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

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

2.5

billyhopscotch's review against another edition

4.0

The Group surprised me. I had expected something dry, but I couldn't help but be drawn in. McCarthy's prose style is what one might call sprawling, but not without purpose. Ultimately, I could not put the book down for the last 80 pages or so. Well worth reading.

dborhan's review against another edition

5.0

One of the most fascinating novels I read in my life. I am very lucky to pick it randomly in a book store couple of years back not knowing the classic gem it is. It is so modern and shocks you how minor changes have actually evolved for the female role in society over a century!! It is a novel of 8 characters that happened to be girls colleagues and young. I highly recommend it.

clairelooney's review against another edition

It was too dense for me and the plot was hard to follow with so many unlikeable characters

mary412's review against another edition

2.0

I remember reading this book and thinking that it hadn't aged well. Now I don't remember why and I don't think it's worth another read.

circularcubes's review against another edition

2.0

This book was dreadful. It reminded me, in a way, of The Imperfectionists - all these interrelated short stories about the ways people manipulate others and let themselves down. I didn't give up on this book, but I am glad to be done with it. I almost gave up after chapter two, where I had the misfortune of reading the most depressing sex scene I've come across in a novel. Thank god the Seven Sisters aren't like this anymore.

miloulou's review against another edition

3.0

This book introduced some really interesting points and paints a vivid tale of life at the time, but I felt like I kept reading unfinished thoughts.

minniepauline's review against another edition

2.0

An interesting look at a particular group at a particular time, culturally speaking, but I wouldn't call it a novel.

maplessence's review against another edition

4.0

Fairly near the start this book had waaay too much detail about 1930's contraception for my tastes - it went on for pages. Yes, I should be more sympathetic - this chapter also evoked the feelings of confused and furtive shame about sexual matters that I remember from the 70's.

But the further into this groundbreaking novel I got, the more absorbed I became. I especially like the way The Group moved in and out of each others lives - some of the characters disappear for chapters and chapters. This very much reflects real life. Most of the women have absorbing lives, but only the most frustrating member Kay has a real career. Kay also has a real devotion to the unlovely Harald.

Spoiler

so wish he came to a horrible end.

Polly was my favourite, Libby felt the most realistic.

I found the ending confusing and a bit hard to follow, but still this is a most excellent book.

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