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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this a while ago, but forgot to review it. There is a lot going on in this long novel. A lot of interesting themes and definitely engaging but probably a little too long for me.
This was a weird book. Part of me is like, well, this is a character study of an inherently dysfunctional family. So, obviously it’s going to be weird. I didn’t mind the character study part. I found it engrossing and unputdownable. Each character is unique and fascinating in their own way.
My issue lies in how many shortcuts the author takes to exaggerate the storylines. Why does Stella decide to have an affair and a child with the man who put her in the hospital? Why does she agree to live a secret life as the other woman? It’s odd that all the characters have fully-formed characterizations but Stella, the Black woman, doesn’t.
And why does Rochelle fall for Lewyn? We know why he falls for her — but what’s her angle beyond being the love interest?
And lastly, are we all going to just ignore that Harrison is a racist, MAGA bigot? Everyone just accepts him into the fold because he’s family? Even the Black members of the family are a-ok with a guy who’s on Fox News? I’m sorry? This apparently came out in 2022, so please explain why the author thought it was totally fine to pretend that people like Harrison just have a different point of view, and not that people like Harrison are literally the reason for the systemic oppression and violence committed against people of colour, especially the Black community.
I also don’t know what the whole bit about Jewish Lewyn trying to become Mormon was all about. I know nothing about religion and its inclusion in entertainment is weird to me, so maybe it makes sense to others, but went over my head.
I think this is an interesting book, but it’s also pretentious with its chapter titles, and it completely misses the mark by positing the both sides have a right to say something perspective, which is ridiculous in the era of divisive, polarized culture wars where the loudest side keep saying the marginalized are silencing them.
My issue lies in how many shortcuts the author takes to exaggerate the storylines. Why does Stella decide to have an affair and a child with the man who put her in the hospital? Why does she agree to live a secret life as the other woman? It’s odd that all the characters have fully-formed characterizations but Stella, the Black woman, doesn’t.
And why does Rochelle fall for Lewyn? We know why he falls for her — but what’s her angle beyond being the love interest?
And lastly, are we all going to just ignore that Harrison is a racist, MAGA bigot? Everyone just accepts him into the fold because he’s family? Even the Black members of the family are a-ok with a guy who’s on Fox News? I’m sorry? This apparently came out in 2022, so please explain why the author thought it was totally fine to pretend that people like Harrison just have a different point of view, and not that people like Harrison are literally the reason for the systemic oppression and violence committed against people of colour, especially the Black community.
I also don’t know what the whole bit about Jewish Lewyn trying to become Mormon was all about. I know nothing about religion and its inclusion in entertainment is weird to me, so maybe it makes sense to others, but went over my head.
I think this is an interesting book, but it’s also pretentious with its chapter titles, and it completely misses the mark by positing the both sides have a right to say something perspective, which is ridiculous in the era of divisive, polarized culture wars where the loudest side keep saying the marginalized are silencing them.
The beginning was slow, the middle was interesting, and the end slowed down again until it kind of teetered out. This was such an interesting story but it was kind of told in a bland way. Would’ve been a 3 star read, but the writing itself was great.
I enjoyed this novel and its many interesting characters. The structure follows the dramatic structure - Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action and Denouement. I almost quit in the climax where it got depressing. However, the last 1/4 of the book brings it all together to a satisfying conclusion and you understand why it is titled The Latecomer. It can feel a little long at times; however, Korelitz writes beautifully.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love a family saga.
DNF
I will not be rating or reviewing The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz. I found the book to be overly long and slow-moving. The plot seems slow to develop and the characters are shallow and uninteresting. This is my opinion only and I am sure most will enjoy this novel.
I will not be rating or reviewing The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz. I found the book to be overly long and slow-moving. The plot seems slow to develop and the characters are shallow and uninteresting. This is my opinion only and I am sure most will enjoy this novel.
This book was complicated for me. I hated everyone for quite a long time. But then the story grew as did the characters. Not so much as to feel contrived but enough that felt good and real. And this book has stayed with me.