1.98k reviews for:

Second Place

Rachel Cusk

3.66 AVERAGE

cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition

4.0

---

This 2021 staff favorite is recommended by Jenn. Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Ssecond%20place%20cusk__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=gold

debbiecuddy's review against another edition

4.0

---

This is the first novel I've read by Rachel Cusk and I'm not sure what to think or if I fully understood it. I was troubled by the deeply revealing voice of M in her writings to Jeffers; she seemed so disturbed, vulnerable, and overly analytical of every detail of her life. Yet, I found her voice so compelling that it was hard to put this book down. This short book has given me a lot to think about!

aureliaa2855's review against another edition

4.0

challenging hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

maitelunar's review against another edition

4.0

emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

cumbresdelibros's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 13%

---

Demasiadas descripciones de absolutamente todo.
No me cuenta nada interesante y se pierde todo en los detalles.

sandoichi's review against another edition

2.5

challenging reflective tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

irisirae's review against another edition

1.0

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

aadya's review against another edition

4.5

challenging dark funny reflective medium-paced

---

stunning! prose! love it. VISCERAL in the playing out of the adversarial will-powers. Some strange and uncomfy but appealing and resonant thoughts. More plot than the Outline trilogy and I also feel like I got a better sense of the speaker than those. Enjoyed this immensely. 

jenwhodunnit's review against another edition

3.0

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

anitaofplaybooktag's review against another edition

5.0

---

I think there's a great chance that Second Place will actually come in first place for the Booker prize.  Cusk manages to incorporate many insightful philosophical musings into a book that I found hard to put down.  Although the plot was fairly straightforward, there was one scene that I will never forget.  And another that moved me to tears.  Cusk illuminates the pitfalls of insecurity like no writer I have read before. . .and is there a more universal feeling?   This book is my first exposure to Cusk, but it definitely won't be the last.