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shellystilger's review against another edition
3.0
I think David Ebershoff is great. But the central tension of this book makes me want to chew holes through walls. It would have been half as long if each character had been direct. “This is Willis’ baby,” for example. Sheez. I get it the theme of secrecy, “destiny,” whatever. But the characters’ complete dedication to maintaining ignorance of their own and others’ feelings was exhausting by halfway through.
bookshy's review against another edition
2.0
The more I think about this book, the more I don't like it. I do like sweeping, fatalistic books, but this one felt like it was trying way too hard. In the "future" interludes I think that the author gave away way too much, making the back story that they were telling pretty predictable. I really liked "The 19th Wife" so I'm disappointed that this was not as good.
jenheartslife's review against another edition
3.0
This is a fabulous book by a very talented writer. It's just a way too long! Took me several weeks to finish all 485 pages and I felt bogged down by it at times. I just wanted to hurry up and finish it so I could move on with my life. Otherwise, I have thoroughly enjoyed being introduced to this new (to me) genre of historical fiction via David Ebershoff's work. It really gives you a sense of the times that the writer is describing in an entertaining way. Mr. Ebershoff is a fabulously descriptive writer, to a fault. This is part of the reason that the book was so painfully long! Overall, if you're not into historical fiction or super long (for no reason) books, I'd say skip it.
bellebelly's review against another edition
4.0
When this novel first came out, it drew a lot of comparisons to East of Eden, which I had just finished and loved. Now, having read both books, I would say the comparison is valid. The story centers around an orange plantation in Pasadena, and takes place mostly during town's heyday of the 1920s, although the it is told in flashbacks from 1945.
There is much drama surrounding the intertwined fates of the owners and a family of onion farmers from a nearby seaside community. The family secrets that are hinted in the first couple of chapters, and revealed in bits and pieces as the story unfolds are too numerous to count. I liked getting hints, and then a chance to figure things out for myself before learning the truth for certain. I was right some of the time, but I was surprised plenty, too. And there weren't any loose ends, something that too many authors get away with.
The only thing I didn't really like about the book was that many of the character names were indicative of the character's nature. A brooding man is named "Bruder," a kind ranch worker is named "Hearts", etc. I thought that was a little corny, and it gave me the feeling Ebershoff may have thought he was being a lot more subtle than he was.
There is much drama surrounding the intertwined fates of the owners and a family of onion farmers from a nearby seaside community. The family secrets that are hinted in the first couple of chapters, and revealed in bits and pieces as the story unfolds are too numerous to count. I liked getting hints, and then a chance to figure things out for myself before learning the truth for certain. I was right some of the time, but I was surprised plenty, too. And there weren't any loose ends, something that too many authors get away with.
The only thing I didn't really like about the book was that many of the character names were indicative of the character's nature. A brooding man is named "Bruder," a kind ranch worker is named "Hearts", etc. I thought that was a little corny, and it gave me the feeling Ebershoff may have thought he was being a lot more subtle than he was.
tvisser's review against another edition
3.0
Too wordy for me. The bones of the story are good and somewhat interesting, but there was just too much "extra" material for me.
dreesreads's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent, excellent book. Long but doesn't get boring. Author did his homework too.
lanner's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful language. Deep, complex, sometimes hateful characters. Hopelessly tragic at points, but always a passionate, tenacious story.
Sigh. I've finished it. So sad and so beautiful.
Sigh. I've finished it. So sad and so beautiful.
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