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yasmin15's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
mollywill's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ingrid_g's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mcasebolt's review against another edition
2.0
All the reviews of this made it seem like a compelling, controversial book.
I can see where it would be controversial, since it was "based on" the story of a real life First Lady and included manslaughter, abortion, and drinking problems.
However, compelling it was not. I kept reading because I was expecting the pace to pick up, but I really just wanted it to be over.
I can see where it would be controversial, since it was "based on" the story of a real life First Lady and included manslaughter, abortion, and drinking problems.
However, compelling it was not. I kept reading because I was expecting the pace to pick up, but I really just wanted it to be over.
123xyz123's review against another edition
4.0
The first 3/4 of the book I would rate four stars, but the last quarter was slow. I guess I didn't realize that the main character was based on Laura Bush, wife of George W. After that revelation, the plot got less absorbing, more staid. The character of Charles (the president) was more interesting than the wife's. But, on whole, I like Sittenfeld's writing.
emelien's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lambsears's review against another edition
3.0
Again - I wish for 1/2 stars, as this deserves more, but not a full star.
I loved Sittenfield's writing in "Rodham", so knew that she was a wonderful writer, and wasn't disappointed. She definitely paints a thoroughly fleshed out character who is actually closely modelled on former First Lady Laura Bush, about whom I knew nothing.
It's a compelling read, so kept me engaged, but it really could have done with a firmer editor. There was far too much rumination and background explanation, especially in the final section of the book which wandered on for much too long.
Despite that, I'll certainly read her next tome.
I loved Sittenfield's writing in "Rodham", so knew that she was a wonderful writer, and wasn't disappointed. She definitely paints a thoroughly fleshed out character who is actually closely modelled on former First Lady Laura Bush, about whom I knew nothing.
It's a compelling read, so kept me engaged, but it really could have done with a firmer editor. There was far too much rumination and background explanation, especially in the final section of the book which wandered on for much too long.
Despite that, I'll certainly read her next tome.
katiekillmore's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
4.0
jeanajen2024's review against another edition
5.0
I know this is a fiction book but it did have some basis in fact. I had no idea that Laura Bush Alice Blackwell had so many skeletons in her closet. Nothing that was insurmountable, but still. I did have to NOT picture our current President and First Lady through much of the book because Charlie Blackwell seemed so much more manly than George Bush. Overall, I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
sp3cia1j's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this novel, but it was not exactly what I thought it was going to be. Marketed to me as a tale of George W. Bush and his wife, this was to me, much different. Most of the novel focuses on the time before the White House, and the husband (named here as Charlie Blackwell)'s ascent into politics is largely glossed over. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the story we got, that of Alice Blackwell.
I saw reviews that the book was too long. For most of it, I enjoyed the meandering musings - it sounded much like a proper Midwestern lady telling the story, and the voice really worked for me. It was only in the last 10-15% that I really noticed the length and was eager for a resolution.
Overall an excellent story, and I will continue to read Sittenfeld.
I really enjoyed this novel, but it was not exactly what I thought it was going to be. Marketed to me as a tale of George W. Bush and his wife, this was to me, much different. Most of the novel focuses on the time before the White House, and the husband (named here as Charlie Blackwell)'s ascent into politics is largely glossed over. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the story we got, that of Alice Blackwell.
I saw reviews that the book was too long. For most of it, I enjoyed the meandering musings - it sounded much like a proper Midwestern lady telling the story, and the voice really worked for me. It was only in the last 10-15% that I really noticed the length and was eager for a resolution.
Overall an excellent story, and I will continue to read Sittenfeld.