Reviews

The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz

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hannah_nichols's review

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dark funny hopeful tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

catnip919's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing slow-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

aliciasokol's review against another edition

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5.0

A true 5 stars. I was thoroughly engrossed in this book and delighted by the witty, carefully crafted writing. This is a rather long and winding story with satisfying complexity. It requires a little patience, especially in the middle, but the reader is rewarded handsomely for it. I’ve not read any of this author’s previous books (though I will seek them out now). She did a masterful job developing characters that were complex, deeply individual and in most cases, quite sad. I did not find them particularly likeable. They did and said horrible things to one another and yet, I cared to know more and found myself rooting for their redemption. This is a tough task! In the past, I’ve stopped reading books that feature whiny characters of immense privilege. This easily could have been that…but it was not. The other noteworthy comment is that even though this book featured sad people in difficult relationships with one another, it was not depressing. It was truly an enjoyable, devourable, satisfying read. I hope this story makes its way to the screen (big or small! I’ll happily consume either).

rbudd24's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

zsaleh's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

yarn_chicken's review

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4.0

I really enjoyed this, even with disliking many of the characters for most of the book. I find her writing really good, and Julia Whelan's narration was great as always.