Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
What an absolutely fantastic book. The pacing was spot on, the characters interesting, family dynamics broken down, the words almost lyrical - a must read.
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a book that takes a lot of investment, since the first half is extremely slow, and while there was pay-off, it was a bit too easy. Given all the time spent building up the story until the big blow up at the 75%, I needed a bit more time spent on the resolution - "time heals all wounds", I suppose, but that’s not very satisfying to read in my opinion. Or perhaps a little less time spent with the parents.
That aside, rich New York Jewish family have interpersonal troubles due to their alienation from each other (however contrived) isn’t exactly the most original of plots, and I didn’t feel there was much new added, no matter how hard the author tried to cram in some "contemporary issues" (don’t get me started on the unnecessary 9/11 part). The characters are all their very own brand of insufferable, and none of their self absorbed antics really endear you to them (and why does all the character development happen off screen!). I only finished this because I made it to the middle, where I found the writing the most compelling, but overall I don’t quite think it was worth it.
That aside, rich New York Jewish family have interpersonal troubles due to their alienation from each other (however contrived) isn’t exactly the most original of plots, and I didn’t feel there was much new added, no matter how hard the author tried to cram in some "contemporary issues" (don’t get me started on the unnecessary 9/11 part). The characters are all their very own brand of insufferable, and none of their self absorbed antics really endear you to them (and why does all the character development happen off screen!). I only finished this because I made it to the middle, where I found the writing the most compelling, but overall I don’t quite think it was worth it.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Absolutely fantastic read. A truly generational novel and very well constructed.
Could tell how things were weaving together in just the right manner that when you were finally able to view the picture it was so satisfying.
Could tell how things were weaving together in just the right manner that when you were finally able to view the picture it was so satisfying.
This book will definitely not be a crowd pleaser. It was a very slow burn - character driven and taking place over several decades. The story followed the many members of the eternally flawed Oppenheimer family, alternating character focus for each chapter. Most characters were unlikable for a bulk of the book, but the author offered them all options for redemption. (I won’t say more for risk of spoiling anything.) I love family sagas like this, so I really enjoyed it, but it isn’t one I would suggest broadly. Also, Julia Phelan’s audio narration is flawless, as usual!
Less twisty than some of her other novels—which makes it a slower burn than others but the characters are so richly developed and the world so clear that their fate is what carry readers forward—all deeply unhappy in their own way you hope for them to find peace and happiness. It’s investigating a lot of different ideas—identity, art, family and some it does better than others but I think even when it feels convenient at times that’s ok because it’s so honest about other aspects of grief and isolation and finding one’s path in the world.
Best book of 2022 so far! Jean Hanff Korelitz is a fabulous writer who struggled to get this book right and her struggles have provided a story that is hard to put down. The Oppenheimer triplets were early test tube babies, their proximity in the womb providing the only closeness they experienced through their childhood. Their mother Johanna wanted nothing more than a loud, boisterous, close family and their father Salo wanted nothing more than to be living in silence with his art. He gets his wish, while Johanna tries her best to make the family of her dreams and is disappointed at every turn. Told by an unnamed narrator and cycling through multiple points of view, I kept turning the pages to see what was happening next in this conflagration that is a family. This is a literary novel in the best sense, not pretentious, but a great story, perfect for all the vacations in this summer of 2022!
A long and winding road of a novel. As a youngest daughter (though not a latecomer), the part I struggled most with was the youngest sister being taken so seriously and heard so thoroughly by her much older siblings. Thought that probably says more about me than the book.
Anyway I did enjoy it after having some mixed feelings in the 30-60% zone. Definitely memorable!
Also as ever: Julia Whelan, Queen of Audio, made the listening experience a delight. With apologies only to the character of Rochelle, a bit of a Long Island cartoon.
Anyway I did enjoy it after having some mixed feelings in the 30-60% zone. Definitely memorable!
Also as ever: Julia Whelan, Queen of Audio, made the listening experience a delight. With apologies only to the character of Rochelle, a bit of a Long Island cartoon.