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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
I find it hard to convey how much I relished this novel on every level. It’s beautifully written and exquisitely expressed. The three stories are absorbing with well developed characters. There is a distinct sense of time and place in each of the stories - 1630s Amsterdam, 1950s New York, Millennial Sydney. The themes are strong with the art mimicking many - fakery, loneliness, desolation. I enjoyed this so much, if you like something unusual and have an interest in art, I’d encourage you to read it.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a very effective and moving audiobook. It took longer than usual to get into the story, but was well worth hanging in.
favorite passages:
"New Jersey always surprises him, a state known for its turnpikes that should be known for its coastlines and bayside hamlets." (p 99)
"Poverty appeared first in their meals, then in their shoes, and finally in their thoughts and prayers." (p 199)
"'Will it ever go away? The anguish.' 'Not ever, far as I can tell. I just hope the dead feel better about it than we do.'" (p 205)
"New Jersey always surprises him, a state known for its turnpikes that should be known for its coastlines and bayside hamlets." (p 99)
"Poverty appeared first in their meals, then in their shoes, and finally in their thoughts and prayers." (p 199)
"'Will it ever go away? The anguish.' 'Not ever, far as I can tell. I just hope the dead feel better about it than we do.'" (p 205)
This story revolves around 3 different time periods: (1) The 1600's, the life and time of paintings of Sara De Vos, (2) the 1950's of 2 characters intertwined with the painting, and (3) year 2000 showing of the painting and resolution of previously intertwined characters of the 1950's.
Personally, I found the entire story just lacking. It seemed to just drag on. I was waiting a climax to happen to make the story more interesting and it just seemed to fall flat.
Personally, I found the entire story just lacking. It seemed to just drag on. I was waiting a climax to happen to make the story more interesting and it just seemed to fall flat.
I enjoyed this book. It is similar to Girl with a Pearl Earring. I like to read about art history. This book was narrated by different characters during different time periods. I found this to be confusing. Sometimes I couldn’t follow along and thought I missed something. In the end it all cam together and I really enjoyed it.
reflective
slow-paced
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes