You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
An "astonishing" book. I listened to the audio version which really brought the story to life for me. The characters are complex and while the plot is simple, it takes place in a richly contextual historical setting. I wish I had been introduced to Octavian as a teen; I would have loves this book back then. Can't wait to get my hands on Vol II.
Kind of brilliant in a literary sort of way - thus the National Book Award. But good Lord, this book was painful to read! The four sections that the book was divided into alternate between overly long, dull and tedious, and raptly fascinating. This ultimately meant that there was about 250 pages of long, dull, and tedious.
An interesting enough concept, and Anderson's ability to write like an 18th Century educated man was excellent. But there's a reason why 18th Century literature is painful to read.
An interesting enough concept, and Anderson's ability to write like an 18th Century educated man was excellent. But there's a reason why 18th Century literature is painful to read.
This book was wonderful. I loved it from start to finish. What I find so funny was that it was in my pile of books to give to the Goodwill, and the reason I picked it up was because it was on the top of the pile, and I was looking for something to read; and read I did! I cannot wait to buy the sequel.
The more I reflect on this book, the more amazing it is. A historical novel, a first-person narrative (told from various points of view) on the American Revolution, combining history with science in a writing style so close to the time period that it is beautifully gothic, and post-Enlightenment, with its hauntingly studious scientific explorations and celebration of the "achievements" of the spirit of the human soul. Breathtaking.
This is the first portion of a slave's view (along with the views of other) prior to the Revolutionary War through the middle of the Revolutionary War. Its a unique perspective complete with "science" that actually did occur although not under the school's name that was used in the text but in major universities which still exist.
Please note: Some descriptions in this text are relatively horrific and might not be suitable for all readers. However, they're based on fact and as such have merit and should not be avoided except in the case of a young reader that is exceedingly sheltered. I should think most children over 8 should be ready to handle the material and that if a parent of a younger reader notices their child reading the text, they should not prevent it but be prepared for some serious discussions. This is a great book for starting discussions with younger readers.
Please note: Some descriptions in this text are relatively horrific and might not be suitable for all readers. However, they're based on fact and as such have merit and should not be avoided except in the case of a young reader that is exceedingly sheltered. I should think most children over 8 should be ready to handle the material and that if a parent of a younger reader notices their child reading the text, they should not prevent it but be prepared for some serious discussions. This is a great book for starting discussions with younger readers.
There wasn't a single part of this book that I even half way enjoyed...This is possibly due to the fact that I would never choose to read this, but I also had a hard time because of the language used. I had to go back and reread pages constantly for many reasons, but mostly because I didn't understand the language the book was written in. I can honestly saw that I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone besides a history buff or someone who really enjoys the time period this book was written about.
Octavian is an African American teenager living during the times of the American Revolution. Growing up at the Novanglian College of Lucidity, Octavian helps the scientists conduct "experiments" about the Africans. As he grows up, Octavian realizes that not the college is not as scientific or pleasant as he may have believed. In fact these scientists will really push Octavian to the limits of his thinking.
This is a retelling of the life and times of the American Revolution from the perspective of a slave. It did make me think of that part of history in a new way, but I found that I was bored for much of the book. Especially, because of the dry explanation of events. Octavian is a classical thinker at heart, but I was not compelled by the writing. The book is a great piece of historical fiction, it just wasn't my thing.
This is a retelling of the life and times of the American Revolution from the perspective of a slave. It did make me think of that part of history in a new way, but I found that I was bored for much of the book. Especially, because of the dry explanation of events. Octavian is a classical thinker at heart, but I was not compelled by the writing. The book is a great piece of historical fiction, it just wasn't my thing.
Very thought provoking and well-written book. The tone is, as the author says, gothic and it isn't really a "fun" book to read.
I could not get through this book. I never really got in to the story.
Hmm. I gave it three stars because it wasn't great nor awful. It was just middle of the road for me. I didn't understand what was going on some of the time due to the language and spelling. I didn't really want to finish, but I made it to the Pox Party, which was gross, and once I got to the section of written letters, my attention was being held. The end was good, but I don't think I want to keep following Octavian's story.