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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
tyra_b's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like this book (anytime I commit to 500+ pages, I WANT it to be good) but it had too many elements that I don't like. It was not linear in time, which can be okay if there are two stories the author is trying to tell like in Sarah's Key. There were mystical parts (dead people talking), etc. Not my cup of tea but I think it could make a great discussion book for a book club.
ghostowngranny's review against another edition
4.0
not one really gorgeous looking character in the book--how refreshing! At times they were barely likeable, but always interesting.
catladymcgee's review against another edition
4.0
This book was definitely unique, and admittedly, it's not one that I would've likely picked up on my own. Instead, it was recommended to me by a friend, and I'm glad I listened to her advice.
The things I loved about the book are as follows: the insane connection I felt to the characters, the consistent unfolding of an intricate emotional plot, the glorious foreshadowing and imagery and metaphors, the wonderful diary entries from the mother who is dying of MS, and, finally, the conclusion, which brought things around full circle in a way that I didn't completely see coming.
The things I didn't like about the book are as follows: the character Bonnie (who annoyed me to no end), the beginning of the book where the dead talk and seem as if they're going to have a much more significant role in the book, and, finally, the way that bad stuff just keeps happening to this poor family.
Overall, a beautifully lyrical, quirky read that gets right to the heart and soul of family and of community.
The things I loved about the book are as follows: the insane connection I felt to the characters, the consistent unfolding of an intricate emotional plot, the glorious foreshadowing and imagery and metaphors, the wonderful diary entries from the mother who is dying of MS, and, finally, the conclusion, which brought things around full circle in a way that I didn't completely see coming.
The things I didn't like about the book are as follows: the character Bonnie (who annoyed me to no end), the beginning of the book where the dead talk and seem as if they're going to have a much more significant role in the book, and, finally, the way that bad stuff just keeps happening to this poor family.
Overall, a beautifully lyrical, quirky read that gets right to the heart and soul of family and of community.
dhb1964's review against another edition
4.0
I borrowed this book from the library because I recognized the author's name. I haven't read her other book, Broken for You, but it's on my list and now that I've finished Sing Them Home, I'll have to pick it up.
This book is essentially about a family and how the disappearance of their mother while the children were young has affected their lives. It's told from the perspective of the different family members as well as the diary of the mother.
Another "character" in the story is the town that the family lived in. A small town, tied together by traditions, provides a framework to the lives of its inhabitants.
While there are many books written about family dynamics, this one has an interesting perspective and the characters, colorful and traditional alike, are nicely defined.
This book is essentially about a family and how the disappearance of their mother while the children were young has affected their lives. It's told from the perspective of the different family members as well as the diary of the mother.
Another "character" in the story is the town that the family lived in. A small town, tied together by traditions, provides a framework to the lives of its inhabitants.
While there are many books written about family dynamics, this one has an interesting perspective and the characters, colorful and traditional alike, are nicely defined.
booktender's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Complicated
- Loveable characters? Complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Wonderfully written! This book follows a cast of characters in a small town and deals with grief, love, disaster, life and death and growth.. very hard to put down. LOVE the way the departed are portrayed in the story. Very much worth the read.
jennyyates's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book & definitely recommend it. It’s a distinctly North American kind of magic realism, with more spacious rhythms and an underlying allegiance to spiritualism. It’s centered in a small Nebraska town with a strong Welsh identity. Everyone sings, and old traditions around death and singing have prevailed. The town itself is a character – personable, stubborn, exasperating, eccentric, lovable. The weather is itself a very strong character! All the human characters – both living and dead - are beautifully drawn and all their stories worth telling.
torimacpurr's review against another edition
3.0
I was a little uncomfortable with Ms. Kallos meandering into the netherworld, but it did all get tied together nicely in the end, and my discomfort dissolved as I got deeper and deeper into the book. Some descriptive paragraphs just begged to be skimmed (especially the the multitude of introspections of Larken and her hometown), but it was beautiful prose. It was a good book, Just not what I was longing for. ("Unbroken for you" is still a pretty high bar to reach)
The "redemptions" promised by the jacket cover synopsis just weren't as colorful as what I wanted for them, but they were logical and happy enough. I did like her honesty in dealing with emotions, especially with Alvina's (Viney's) and Hope's emotions.
However, Llewellyn's character remained in silhouette for most of the book, which left me longing for more of his story. In the end, there was a little bit that tidied up some questions and gave him some depth, but I suspect it would have been a better story with a little more of his voice in the shared narratives. Was he just a reactionary, trying to heroically accommodate the passions of all the loved ones in his life? Certainly there are people who live their lives that way.
And what of the older generations and siblings of both Llewellyn and Hope? How did their lives stay so neatly tucked out of the children's lives? Still, again, it was a great examination of how people endure injuries their parents never imagine -nor intend- to impart and then find ways to heal.
The "redemptions" promised by the jacket cover synopsis just weren't as colorful as what I wanted for them, but they were logical and happy enough. I did like her honesty in dealing with emotions, especially with Alvina's (Viney's) and Hope's emotions.
However, Llewellyn's character remained in silhouette for most of the book, which left me longing for more of his story. In the end, there was a little bit that tidied up some questions and gave him some depth, but I suspect it would have been a better story with a little more of his voice in the shared narratives. Was he just a reactionary, trying to heroically accommodate the passions of all the loved ones in his life? Certainly there are people who live their lives that way.
And what of the older generations and siblings of both Llewellyn and Hope? How did their lives stay so neatly tucked out of the children's lives? Still, again, it was a great examination of how people endure injuries their parents never imagine -nor intend- to impart and then find ways to heal.
lcstevens92's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book a lot. I thought it was well-written and the characters had interesting quirks.
michellegotto's review against another edition
5.0
lovely! well-drawn characters, complex relationships and a beautiful story.
alexiscb's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Complicated
5.0
This novel is meant for readers that love to be totally absorbed in rich story telling. It’s takes a bit of patience and is well worth it.