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hazalpaca's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
this book was exactly what I needed -- I felt like reading a romance, and I love campus novels. I just finished it last night and I already miss reading it. I think the 3 characters are unlikeable but endearing at the same time. Mitchell started off being really detestable (as I'm sure he was written to be), but his cerebral approach to religion was interesting for me. I appreciate that he grew a little. I could really feel Madeleines feelings towards Bankhead, and I was happy for them, for a while. I loved the scene at the end where Mitchell saw what Madeleine saw in him. I liked that the characters made decisions that weren't predictable (for me), but that made sense as well. Introducing Leonards point of view late into the novel was a nice touch. I dont have bipolar disorder so I can't say for certain, but I have plenty of experience with other mood disorders, and I think the way he was written felt pretty true. It is revealed that Leonard is even more deplorable than Mitchell, which is very sad for Madeleine. :-(
And I think, despite many people finding Madeleine to be a poorly written female character, she was a realistic portrayal of the privileged well. she is a woman living in patriarchy, who is not above the social structures that dictate her reality. few of us are.
it must be acknowledged that there's a lot of pretentious waffling in this book. some of the references feel really dated, 10 years on. it took me a while to get used to it, but as I fell in love with the book it bothered me less and less. I still love this book and give it 5 stars!
And I think, despite many people finding Madeleine to be a poorly written female character, she was a realistic portrayal of the privileged well. she is a woman living in patriarchy, who is not above the social structures that dictate her reality. few of us are.
it must be acknowledged that there's a lot of pretentious waffling in this book. some of the references feel really dated, 10 years on. it took me a while to get used to it, but as I fell in love with the book it bothered me less and less. I still love this book and give it 5 stars!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Domestic abuse and Sexual assault
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