Reviews

This was an interesting book for me. 'Station Eleven' is one of my favorite books. I loved it so, so much that I couldn't wait to read whatever came next from Mrs. Mandel. Then this finally came out and I was too afraid to read it. I was afraid it wouldn't live up to my expectations, or that I would spend the whole time comparing it to 'Station Eleven'.

Well, both of those things happened...but I got over them.

This is one of those books that while you're reading it, you don't want to put it down. The story isn't fast-paced, nor does it keep you on the edge of your seat, but you just feel this compulsion to keep going...to see where the author is going to take you next.

At the same time, once I did put the book down, I was never in a rush to pick it back up. It took me about a week to read this book, mainly because I was only reading it at night before I went to sleep, but when I WAS reading it, I was staying up until my eyes were crossing and I could no longer read straight.

This is a creeper of a story. The first third of the book I was silently throwing a tantrum that it wasn't 'Station Eleven'. The second third of the book I was begrudgingly starting to get interested in what was happening, and the last third I could barely put down.

The stories of Vincent, Paul, Jonathan, Leon, Walter and the rest of the characters slowly wash over you until you find yourself at the end of the book mourning the loss of these characters that you didn't realize you felt so strongly for.

THAT is the magic of Emily St. John Mandel. She has the ability to quietly wow and stun you. She doesn't need shock and high drama. Her style of writing is one of the most beautiful narratives I have ever read. I couldn't care less about Ponzi Schemes and the world of finance and investment, but she tells the story in a way that doesn't get bogged down by unnecessary 'filler'. She never over-explains or wastes time. Everything she tells you is exactly all you need to know. It's amazing.

When I finished the book last night, I gave it four stars. Reviewing it tonight, however, I changed it to five. I've been thinking about this book off-and-on all day, and I miss it. When a book does that to you, it deserves five stars, so five it shall be.

Read this. And if you haven't read 'Station Eleven', read that too.

Again, I look forward to whatever comes next from Mrs. Mandel, though next time, I won't hesitate at all.

a_r's review against another edition

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slow-paced

3.25

jenhurst's review against another edition

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3.0

I was initially prepared to give this a 4 or a 4.5, since I loved the writing and the atmosphere. But then I got about 250 pages in and i felt like the raccoon playing with Cotton candy and then it dissolved it water. There just wasn’t much there, in terms of plot or characterization. You know the synopsis on the back? Ya that’s the entire book. That last line of the synopsis? That’s the last chapter. It was just disappointing.