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b0hemian_graham's review against another edition
4.0
amazing, a 4-star rating on Hugh MacLennan novel. I don't believe it myself. This one was slow to begin, but with the explosion and the aftermath, it was captivating. I could be biased as a Bluenoser and as a Haligonian though. I find it weird that Hugh's first novel was better written and more interesting than the two later ones I read. I also didn't get the feeling like he was an outsider writing about a place he knows nothing about, like I did reading Each Man's Son, which was really weird because Hugh is from here and has massive Cape Breton roots.
janicecm's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
joraud's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lilliangretsinger's review against another edition
4.0
I wish we had read this in high school or university for Canadian Lit or History. Much better than reading Atwood!
Though slow to start, I really liked the story overall. The author wove the the characters together and apart very well. The beginning part was a little slow though, but started to pick up closer to the explosion. I like how the "trivial" things in life were set aside with the explosion and it's aftermath. I thought it was interesting that the father was all but forgotten about until Neil literally stumbled upon him.
Though slow to start, I really liked the story overall. The author wove the the characters together and apart very well. The beginning part was a little slow though, but started to pick up closer to the explosion. I like how the "trivial" things in life were set aside with the explosion and it's aftermath. I thought it was interesting that the father was all but forgotten about until Neil literally stumbled upon him.
covertocovergirl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
slow-paced
3.5
gretzky10's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic novel about the Halifax explosion in 1917 during World Way I. It is the largest non-atomic explosion in the history of the world, and the only explosion on Canadian soil in its history. The novel follows the stories of several characters, and how their lives are affected by the explosion. It is a moving novel, a little slow in parts, but always engaging. The characters are wonderful, and the book is touching. Check it out!
ashlynbv's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
janlo26's review against another edition
4.0
Steeped in a patriarchal mindset but brilliant writing just the same.