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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
To start this is a long book and I wasn’t sure at first if I was going to be able to get past the first hour (I listen to the audio). I’m so glad I kept going. To be honest, I had to find out if this was based on a true story or real people, because that is the impression you get from the amount of detail of the characters and setting. Interesting but not very likable characters, a tale that is woven back-and-forth and through many different plot twists, it was hard to put down once you are invested. I highly recommend it.
And a huge plus for having the queen of audio, Julia, Whelan, to be the narrator.
And a huge plus for having the queen of audio, Julia, Whelan, to be the narrator.
3.5 — a long slog at the beginning with unlikable characters but the last 25% made it worth it. And very well written so hard to not give it a 4, but I just didn’t love it as much as I wanted to.
I really enjoyed this family story. There’s a lot of references to art, which I had to look up. The writing is crisp and the characters are both interesting and flawed. I listened to the audiobook, and Julia Whelan is an absolute treasure.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
9: The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz
While I am still uncertain exactly who recommended this book (so that I can give appropriate credit and thanks), I was intrigued and smilingly pleased to see, inside the back cover, that Jean Hanff Korelitz is married to Irish poet Paul Muldoon, who presented his poetry and person to us at the AP Lit. Reading in Louisville several years ago. Sadly, I must admit that I have not previously read any of her other work.
For the most part I enjoyed this engaging and well-written story and with an interesting premise--well, a few, actually--not limited to: IVF triplets and associated siblinghood, the addition of a fictitious college being included in the list of 40 published in the real Colleges That Change Lives, art majors and one potential line of work (if so privileged), and life-changing tragedies and their processing.
There was some unfortunate muddling of things, though, in the middle or just past it that turned off this reader a tad. The long novel was made even longer and seemingly due primarily to the inclusion of some convenient coincidences. Additionally, there were some anachronisms and a couple of other--well--errors that prompted a slight loss of interest in the book overall.
However, the conclusion was quite redemptive and made me grateful I didn't quit prior.
I did not love everything about the book or the book in its entirety quite as much as I did at its start, but I am still very glad to have read it. I'll be thinking about it for some time yet...and would love to visit with someone about it. Let me know when that's you!
While I am still uncertain exactly who recommended this book (so that I can give appropriate credit and thanks), I was intrigued and smilingly pleased to see, inside the back cover, that Jean Hanff Korelitz is married to Irish poet Paul Muldoon, who presented his poetry and person to us at the AP Lit. Reading in Louisville several years ago. Sadly, I must admit that I have not previously read any of her other work.
For the most part I enjoyed this engaging and well-written story and with an interesting premise--well, a few, actually--not limited to: IVF triplets and associated siblinghood, the addition of a fictitious college being included in the list of 40 published in the real Colleges That Change Lives, art majors and one potential line of work (if so privileged), and life-changing tragedies and their processing.
There was some unfortunate muddling of things, though, in the middle or just past it that turned off this reader a tad. The long novel was made even longer and seemingly due primarily to the inclusion of some convenient coincidences. Additionally, there were some anachronisms and a couple of other--well--errors that prompted a slight loss of interest in the book overall.
However, the conclusion was quite redemptive and made me grateful I didn't quit prior.
I did not love everything about the book or the book in its entirety quite as much as I did at its start, but I am still very glad to have read it. I'll be thinking about it for some time yet...and would love to visit with someone about it. Let me know when that's you!
A slow start, but I ended up really enjoying this. It was a beautifully dysfunctional family with an interesting political lens. This is not an easy or fun read, but it was emotional and rewarding.