Scan barcode
sevenswanz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
King leads the reader through a tale as old of time with his lyrical writing style and immense capacity for embracing an unknowing that goes hand in hand with the familiarity of what it means for a community and life in a place to wash out with the tide and struggle, belatedly and exhausted, back to shore, even if forever changed.
This book shows the ugly, hard parts of being a person - a person who feels lost, adrift, searching for somewhere to make sense of themselves - and says "Wait, come back. Sit down. Stay awhile, and maybe we can figure it out together."
Suicidal and maybe just tired, Gabriel has no desire to save himself, but operates on instinct when it comes to pulling people, one after another, out of the tide he meant to drown in.
Mara is a closed off woman as vulnerable to the desire for belonging as the rest of us.
What does it mean to accept guilt and carry it? How does it bend our backs and change the lock on the door?
This book shows the ugly, hard parts of being a person - a person who feels lost, adrift, searching for somewhere to make sense of themselves - and says "Wait, come back. Sit down. Stay awhile, and maybe we can figure it out together."
Suicidal and maybe just tired, Gabriel has no desire to save himself, but operates on instinct when it comes to pulling people, one after another, out of the tide he meant to drown in.
Mara is a closed off woman as vulnerable to the desire for belonging as the rest of us.
What does it mean to accept guilt and carry it? How does it bend our backs and change the lock on the door?
bham123's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sagevf's review against another edition
1.0
Ok I'm sorry this is a very harsh review but I found this book so dreadfully boring and disappointing when compared to it's description (which sounded really cool but the book was not that cool)
zero_sjl's review against another edition
I really wanted to like this book but I feel like nothing of substance has happened so far and it doesn't seem to be taking off anytime soon.
beetree's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it, but it didn't quite grab me in the way I was expecting. Still, I can appreciate what it draws from and how it comes together and I'd like to re-read it after becoming better versed in the mythology.
e_robertson1989's review against another edition
5.0
I'm taking an English course in university that required this book to be read. It isn't within the normal genre that I prefer to read, but I have heard good things about King's novels, so I was open to reading it.
I am genuinely impressed with the humourous way that King comments on environmental issues and Indigenous issues while meshing together a mixture of Indigenous creation stories with Christianity. I found each character to be distinct, from Dorian to Solider and enjoyed the witty story that was told. It made a conscious effort to display the disasters that can occur from a reverence for progress, and still engaged the reader in a heartwarming story about ecology, guilt, and a little bit of hope.
I am genuinely impressed with the humourous way that King comments on environmental issues and Indigenous issues while meshing together a mixture of Indigenous creation stories with Christianity. I found each character to be distinct, from Dorian to Solider and enjoyed the witty story that was told. It made a conscious effort to display the disasters that can occur from a reverence for progress, and still engaged the reader in a heartwarming story about ecology, guilt, and a little bit of hope.
babyfacedoldsoul's review against another edition
5.0
I will admit I almost didn't read this book because I hated the cover. Then I saw it was Thomas King and the cover and title suddenly made sense. I am so glad I decided to read this book. It may very well be one of the best books I read in 2014. King's prose is so believable and seemingly inevitable that I found myself researching every disaster he mentioned. It reminds me of The Handmaid's Tale in that it is a warning of what is to come if we don't change our current mindset and practices. It is also a story of beautiful characters. I am fairly certain I am in love with Crisp. If you only have a chance to read one more book this year please read this one. It just might change your life.
kristenmay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
5.0
hart's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Thoughtful. Devastating. Hopeful. Burst into tears. Burst into laughter. A must read.
inkling's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book, Thomas King is such a great writer. He reveals things to the reader at a perfect pace. Master of "show not tell". Definitely one to read and reread.