Reviews

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai

rdlevitt's review

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4.0

Totally engrossing. The story of the AIDS crisis in the 80s was fascinating and emotional. I wasn't quite as captivated by the 2015 story line, but overall it was a great book and makes me want to learn more about the (awful) history of AIDS.

burnstheretoo's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

lokireads25's review

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4.0

This was a powerful read. It left me wanting to learn a lot more about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and I love books that do that to me. I did find it a bit hard to relate to the "present" day Fiona timeline for a significant amount of the book but appreciated how it all came together in the end. A tough read because of the content, but worth it if you want to learn more about the epidemic and impact on individuals and the people who loved them in the 80s and 90s.

nikkicik's review

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

moodyjulia's review

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5.0

You know when every fiber of your being just needs this story to end differently than you know it will? When tiny gasps and slamming shut of the book down on the table continually happen as you annoy your vacationing family all day? This is that book. I kept picking it back up though, even as the fear of what was going to happen persisted. This book had such raw moments, such earthy real characters that the emotions flow through it all. It hurts. It’s beautiful. It’s important. Also, I finally finished a book. The first that I’ve finished in months (giving myself a pat on the back for that one.). I’m glad it was this book.

sarahanne_r's review

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emotional informative sad medium-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? Yes

4.5

jennknut68's review

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5.0

Humanity

This book contains so much humanity. Good, bad but all of the characters are wonderfully flawed humans. I love this book.

erikbergstrom's review

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4.0

Well-handled and interesting look at a crisis that's not talked about often enough today. I thought it was smart of Makkai to tie it into another generation who was handled the same way after World War I. Think it was much longer than it needed to be... there are many infusions of backstory in the midst of things going on that drag it out and sometimes jar the continuous flow of the story. The story is literary though, which means not a lot actually does happen when it happens, so to some it may enrichen the story. Just wasn't for me.

Overall I connected with all the characters and I think Makkai walked the line of despair and fond remembrance/nostalgia very well! Four stars. Go check it out at your local library today.

pianoteacher's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced

4.0

limeade's review

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dark emotional funny hopeful sad medium-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