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audreysdance's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
suzzeb22's review against another edition
4.0
Franzen's writing is quite good. He does a great job of fleshing out his characters and has a great eye for family situations. The dinner table scene with the young son is maddening and heartbreaking. The character of Denise and her relationships is particularly well thought out. I found his style very easy to read.
jairereads's review against another edition
5.0
Reigning all-time fave. Horrifically timely and prescient “period piece” of the American Midwest suburban zeitgeist at the turn of the century. Left my jaw on the floor countless times… Overall had everything I look for in a novel. (Will probably be quickly dethroned by A Little Life once I get around to finishing it.)
ezrasbabel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
this is truly one of the greatest books of the 21st century, it deserves its place on best books of all time lists. it’s heart wrenching and exciting and hard to put down. it’s exposing is comforting and it truly brought me to tears. i hope to read more great books like this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, Suicide attempt, Racism, Self harm, Dementia, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Antisemitism and Drug use
scohen_'s review against another edition
5.0
I reluctantly succumb to the lit bros. Franzen got what he wanted with this, aka succeeded in writing one of the great American social novels. Psycho but close to perfect. Midwest Christmas forever.
mesauer's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hollyselph's review against another edition
5.0
I understand enough of what it would take to write a novel this complicated, psychologically-intelligent, almost perfectly structured, and to conceive of characters so authentic that I am haunted by them, that I realized only a few people can really write, and the rest of us just pretend.
millman's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Very difficult read to me because the author is excellent at describing the struggles of the daily life and the trap that convention represent.
You will get to hate every single character and learn the reasons that made them so dislikable.
You will get to hate every single character and learn the reasons that made them so dislikable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Mental illness, and Drug use
greensocks's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
the relationship between the siblings reminded me of the show succession
imrosete's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5