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jennyreads17's review against another edition
4.0
I went into Ducks, Newburyport having bought the book keen on the synopsis and aware of the page length, but unaware of Ellmann's writing structure. That being said, what I thought was going to be extremely tedious read was actually superbly executed, and it was a lot easier to follow the novel's train-of-thought style than I anticipated. I found it very impressive that I was not bored with the narration, or slow plot as I read this book over the course of three months. However, after I was about 2/3 of the way through I was seriously fatigued. I honestly thought it could have been shorter, as I considered DNF-ing this one on several occasions. Having already committed so much of my time, I persisted and I'm greatly for it because I thought the ending was really smart, and a strong wrap up for just how much we had covered with the main character. While I won't reread this one, I think it will be something new and intriguing for avid readers.
theanxiousreader's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-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
4.25
jeansbookbag's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
While this book was quite different than anything I've ever read before, I did enjoy it. It's definitely a style that will not work for everyone, but if you're going to try it I definitely suggest going into it with a completely open mind, and try not to let pre-conceived notions about the style or length effect your reading/listening.
I do find it interesting how many people take umbrage with the fact that this is classed as "experimental" and that people who like it need to read other experimental novels to learn what "good/great" experimental fiction really is; in particular James Joyce and David Foster Wallace. I do have to wonder how much of that particular criticism would come up if this book was not written by a woman and from the POV of a middle-aged woman, because honestly it feels very experimental to me to read 1,000+ pages of the inner monologue about a woman and her day to day life and anxieties.
I do think if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone and try something different, this is worth giving a shot, but I can also understand why it won't work for everyone.
I do find it interesting how many people take umbrage with the fact that this is classed as "experimental" and that people who like it need to read other experimental novels to learn what "good/great" experimental fiction really is; in particular James Joyce and David Foster Wallace. I do have to wonder how much of that particular criticism would come up if this book was not written by a woman and from the POV of a middle-aged woman, because honestly it feels very experimental to me to read 1,000+ pages of the inner monologue about a woman and her day to day life and anxieties.
I do think if you're willing to step out of your comfort zone and try something different, this is worth giving a shot, but I can also understand why it won't work for everyone.
alturnertive's review against another edition
Zero stars. I gave up in frustration after about five pages. What a load of codswallop.
melias6's review against another edition
4.0
Took nearly 100 pages to get into the rhythm of Lucy Ellmann’s one-sentence-long, stream-of-conscious epic about a mother grappling with modern day anxieties, American history, and baked goods. By page 700, I was convinced this was one of my favorite reads of the year, with Ellmann’s wordplay going down easy and the riveting momentum that comes from reading a thought that refuses to settle. It’s those last 300 pages that began to feel trying, even as Ellmann introduced two “plotty” elements and some structural urgency. Rarely did I dread picking this up, though (and it helped that it takes place near my childhood home in northeast Ohio, full of recognizable places and names). It’s also incredibly funny, with observations about everything from lemon drizzle cake to Harrison Ford to living in a red state that largely supports Trump and open carry laws. A relentless experiment that marries the personal with the political in challenging, surprising, exhausting ways.
ketonks's review against another edition
5.0
The fact that this book is impossible to rate or compare to anything else. The fact that the lions made me cry. The fact that I am really going to miss her voice in my head and am not sure how to go on now.
kgeraghty's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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