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mimimilaa's review against another edition
5.0
I just want to clarify that just because I gave this book 5 stars, doesn't mean that I think it was perfect. There were a few things that I had problems with, for example the way that Clark's sexuality was introduced seemed a bit abrupt and occurred fairly late in the book, making it seem more like an afterthought.
However, I decided that I could overlook my problems with the book because I truly have to applaud Mendel for her attention to detail throughout the story. Typically, I do not like jumping from various perspectives each chapter, but she did it in a way that I didn't mind, in fact I actually liked it. It was like taking a break from the problems that the characters in the previous chapter were dealing with.
I loved getting insight on all of the characters from the beginning of the story and the way that everything was interconnected. It was truly beautiful to read. For a while it seemed like we would never find out what happened to Jeevan, but I'm glad that we finally did even if he wasn't with the Symphony or Clark.
As a reader, I would've liked to have seen what had happened with Kirsten and her brother that first year, even thought I realize that she couldn't remember it. Yet, I think that leaving that mystery has a lasting effect on the reader, making them wonder what might have occurred.
Overall, this was a beautifully written book about the resiliency of humanity and the importance of taking a step back from the hecticness of life and enjoying yourself, even if only for a moment.
However, I decided that I could overlook my problems with the book because I truly have to applaud Mendel for her attention to detail throughout the story. Typically, I do not like jumping from various perspectives each chapter, but she did it in a way that I didn't mind, in fact I actually liked it. It was like taking a break from the problems that the characters in the previous chapter were dealing with.
I loved getting insight on all of the characters from the beginning of the story and the way that everything was interconnected. It was truly beautiful to read. For a while it seemed like we would never find out what happened to Jeevan, but I'm glad that we finally did even if he wasn't with the Symphony or Clark.
As a reader, I would've liked to have seen what had happened with Kirsten and her brother that first year, even thought I realize that she couldn't remember it. Yet, I think that leaving that mystery has a lasting effect on the reader, making them wonder what might have occurred.
Overall, this was a beautifully written book about the resiliency of humanity and the importance of taking a step back from the hecticness of life and enjoying yourself, even if only for a moment.
campredwood's review against another edition
2.0
DNF at 60%ish, I kept pushing and pushing but it’s a hard pass.
I cannot stand listening to the droning on and on and on about waspy celebrity bourgeoisie still being entitled and insufferable post societal collapse.
I cannot stand listening to the droning on and on and on about waspy celebrity bourgeoisie still being entitled and insufferable post societal collapse.
mollie1023's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
fabacious's review against another edition
2.0
I think I may have missed the point of this book. It has received such good reviews from others but I never got into the story. For one thing, I didn't get why the story revolved so much around Arthur. For another, I kept thinking about Maslow's hierarchy of needs. In a post apocalyptic world where people are struggling to survive, a traveling theater group performing Shakespeare from town to town seems a bit silly.
Finally, after 15 years since the epidemic began, why were these people still living in an airport? With the majority of the population dead, there are plenty of abandoned houses with comfortable beds and other essentials available for the survivors to choose from.
The story didn't make much sense to me. 2.5 stars.
Finally, after 15 years since the epidemic began, why were these people still living in an airport? With the majority of the population dead, there are plenty of abandoned houses with comfortable beds and other essentials available for the survivors to choose from.
The story didn't make much sense to me. 2.5 stars.
hayley_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
alyh2000's review against another edition
3.0
Disappointing...
Overall, this was a good read... until I got to the last 20%
Spoilers ahead...
I felt like the entire thing went nowhere. I didn’t expect to have everything tied up in a nice little package at the end, but I was left wanting more.
The struggle between the Prophet and the Symphony was such a promising story. The tension and mistrust built between them throughout the book. Things were just getting interesting when they cornered Kirsten, and then it was just over. Bam! Everyone’s dead, move on with the story... WHAT?! The Prophet wasn’t even phased when Kirsten started quoting the comic book back to him. Wasn’t he the least bit curious how she knew the incredibly rare story?
All the character’s stories were intertwined, and it seemed like it would culminate in everyone who remained making their way to the airport. Instead, Jeevan’s story seems to take him on his own independent path.
And the very ending? Just meh. What about the electric town? Everything felt up in the air. This was an ending no different from that of any old chapter. I wanted some sort of closure, and got nothing. After reading it, I felt like maybe I missed something. Was there a part of the book that wasn’t there?
Very underwhelming for me. How did a book that kept me interested for 300 pages lose me in the final 50? The end of the book is supposed to be the best part! You’re supposed to turn the final pages in excited anticipation awaiting the resolution of the plot. In this case, that did NOT happen.
Overall, this was a good read... until I got to the last 20%
Spoilers ahead...
I felt like the entire thing went nowhere. I didn’t expect to have everything tied up in a nice little package at the end, but I was left wanting more.
The struggle between the Prophet and the Symphony was such a promising story. The tension and mistrust built between them throughout the book. Things were just getting interesting when they cornered Kirsten, and then it was just over. Bam! Everyone’s dead, move on with the story... WHAT?! The Prophet wasn’t even phased when Kirsten started quoting the comic book back to him. Wasn’t he the least bit curious how she knew the incredibly rare story?
All the character’s stories were intertwined, and it seemed like it would culminate in everyone who remained making their way to the airport. Instead, Jeevan’s story seems to take him on his own independent path.
And the very ending? Just meh. What about the electric town? Everything felt up in the air. This was an ending no different from that of any old chapter. I wanted some sort of closure, and got nothing. After reading it, I felt like maybe I missed something. Was there a part of the book that wasn’t there?
Very underwhelming for me. How did a book that kept me interested for 300 pages lose me in the final 50? The end of the book is supposed to be the best part! You’re supposed to turn the final pages in excited anticipation awaiting the resolution of the plot. In this case, that did NOT happen.