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danaaliyalevinson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I really enjoyed this book. I will say, it had a slow start, and it took me a good 100 pages or maybe a little more to feel drawn in. But once it had me it had me. I tend to like stories that are a bit more character driven, whereas this book was definitely more driven by plot. However, I like to rate on author’s intent rather than my personal preferences.
An interwoven tale of various people taking place over the course of 700 years, the one thing connecting them is a book, surviving against the odds through the ages. In many ways an ode to storytelling itself, I found especially the back half to be deeply moving and effective at showing us how stories shape the trajectories of our lives.
An interwoven tale of various people taking place over the course of 700 years, the one thing connecting them is a book, surviving against the odds through the ages. In many ways an ode to storytelling itself, I found especially the back half to be deeply moving and effective at showing us how stories shape the trajectories of our lives.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal death, Mental illness, Violence, War, Classism, Confinement, Death, Dementia, Gun violence, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Mass/school shootings, and Panic attacks/disorders
youreawizardjerry's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
SO engaging and entertaining! A journey that keeps you guessing and invested. Tension-building in this thang was masterful, but the beats intended to be most dramatic/tense/climactic did not have that satisfying punch I expected them to (Nay, needed them to!). Also unfortunately, the ending didn't hit for me at all :( I still had an enjoyable time with it, but can't say I loved it after finishing. Still, strong writing + fun ride keeps it in the 4 stars for me^^
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Confinement, Death of parent, and Gun violence
Minor: Alcoholism, Racial slurs, and Vomit
sydapel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-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? No
4.5
First book of 2022!!! And it's not a romance?! I'm as shocked as you are. Like his previous work, Doerr writes with such respect and love for the human spirit in the face of adversity and pain. I found myself fighting back tears at several points during the story, not just grief and longing (which oh wow those hurt), but for the joy and purpose these characters held. While the plot of a story binding us together through the ages is certainly nothing new, it's timeless. While the pace is slow, it's worth it to savor the message in it's beauty and it's pain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Physical abuse
Moderate: Ableism and Alcoholism
Minor: Gun violence
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