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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
I just love Yanagihara's writing style. The plot wasn't as focused as I'd like... The story meandered and I'm not sure if I feel any different after it ended. But it was an enjoyable ride nonetheless.
Admittedly, I took my time with this one, reading a book here and there. Looking back I may have picked up on more tethering notes between books had I read them in quicker succession, but ngl was happy to take a fat break before broaching book 3.
‘To Paradise’ is demanding, asking its reader not only to abandon societal assumptions and acclimate to a nearly familiar world but also to completely reorient oneself with each book, repeatedly encountering the same names and places in novel contexts.
I’m left with so many questions, staring blankly into space while my brain gnaws on the unifying eggs scattered throughout each section. Are they thematically connected? loosely? Do any exist in the same universe? unlikely.
Further proven by this novel, Yanagihara is a master of stripping relationships to their core, regardless of context, conjuring relatability and rawness that left me examining my own social participation.
‘To Paradise’ is an ambitious novel, unafraid to leap into abusive relationships one moment, self criticism and evaluation the next, and a dystopian, eerily familiar governmental regime a little later. If her goal was to prompt a reflection of ourselves, our desires, and their place as we navigate our way through life, through the world, Yanagihara finds success here. (will be indulging in a royal ‘we’.)
+.5 so we’ll round up for now. as always might adjust later
‘To Paradise’ is demanding, asking its reader not only to abandon societal assumptions and acclimate to a nearly familiar world but also to completely reorient oneself with each book, repeatedly encountering the same names and places in novel contexts.
I’m left with so many questions, staring blankly into space while my brain gnaws on the unifying eggs scattered throughout each section. Are they thematically connected? loosely? Do any exist in the same universe? unlikely.
Further proven by this novel, Yanagihara is a master of stripping relationships to their core, regardless of context, conjuring relatability and rawness that left me examining my own social participation.
‘To Paradise’ is an ambitious novel, unafraid to leap into abusive relationships one moment, self criticism and evaluation the next, and a dystopian, eerily familiar governmental regime a little later. If her goal was to prompt a reflection of ourselves, our desires, and their place as we navigate our way through life, through the world, Yanagihara finds success here. (will be indulging in a royal ‘we’.)
+.5 so we’ll round up for now. as always might adjust later
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not really sure what to say about this book. Enjoy the first third, almost quit during the middle third, and the final third kept me up late at night reading. The ending has left me speechless. I did not remember why this was on my TBR list so reading it was a complete surprise. And discovering the last part was about a horrible earth changing pandemic blew my mind. I will think about this book for a long time. The way the same brownstone in Washington Square and the same names are used in three different centuries…
Part one: fragile wealthy boy falls in love with a grifter. Part two: fragile ancestor of Hawaiian royalty tries to make a new Hawaii; later his son deals with aids. Part three: the future multiple pandemics have changed the whole world. The scientist who unwittingly caused most of the problems tries to help his granddaughter move forward
Part one: fragile wealthy boy falls in love with a grifter. Part two: fragile ancestor of Hawaiian royalty tries to make a new Hawaii; later his son deals with aids. Part three: the future multiple pandemics have changed the whole world. The scientist who unwittingly caused most of the problems tries to help his granddaughter move forward
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes