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thegruester's review against another edition
1.0
It only took me 4 years to read this book. This book tries to blend two writing styles: fiction and narrative nonfiction. But the writing has irritating effect. Why does everyone have 3 names and 2 nicknames? Why must there be 14 main characters who are all hurting and damaged? Why must sentences be so complex?
Even the topic of this book doesn't wow me. Genetically modifying people? Ok-it's not compelling, at least not written about in this way. Ultimately, I hated this book. It didn't speak to me.
Even the topic of this book doesn't wow me. Genetically modifying people? Ok-it's not compelling, at least not written about in this way. Ultimately, I hated this book. It didn't speak to me.
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review
4.0
I call myself a big Richard Powers fan. I’ve only read one Powers book, but it was a wham-doozy. I often list it on my favorite all-time reads. It was brilliant, with clever word play and subplots that intertwine and characters who are---very strange---scientists and stories about human genes and computers, none of which I really know much about. It was fun and unexpected and, really, brilliant.
And now I’ve finally completed my second Powers, though, truth be told, it was actually a listen not a read.
So what do I think? Am I still a raving Powers fan?
I’d say this one, though it began and proceeded with a powerful hit, would not quite ring my bell. I was waiting for the big, wonderful final ending that tied everything together and it didn’t happen. Or, possibly, it did happen, but it was so over my head that I just didn’t get it. I don’t want to give away the whole story (stop here if you are worried about spoilers) but I didn’t really understand our main heroine’s meltdown. What does that say?
I imagine that I will reflect on this a little more (always the sign of a good book).
And now I’ve finally completed my second Powers, though, truth be told, it was actually a listen not a read.
So what do I think? Am I still a raving Powers fan?
I’d say this one, though it began and proceeded with a powerful hit, would not quite ring my bell. I was waiting for the big, wonderful final ending that tied everything together and it didn’t happen. Or, possibly, it did happen, but it was so over my head that I just didn’t get it. I don’t want to give away the whole story (stop here if you are worried about spoilers) but I didn’t really understand our main heroine’s meltdown. What does that say?
I imagine that I will reflect on this a little more (always the sign of a good book).
lisagray68's review
1.0
Gave it 75 pages, and it's gone. I forgot that I didn't like Echo Maker either...guess I'm just not Richard Powers' target audience...
sauvageloup's review
4.0
this was definitely my favourite uni book so far. I took some time to warm to it and I think it would really reward a reread but I was absolutely hooked around half-way.
pros:
- absolutely fascinating story that it very original and complex and yet has few actual plot points. its all about emotional experience and it works brilliantly
- once I warmed to Thassa, I loved her, and all of the characters had their own warmth and realness
- the writing is stunning, really really lovely, with some gorgeous turns of phrase
- I liked the incorporation of science in it, but how it was challenged, too. and my a-level biology enjoyed at least recognising most of the terms.
- I loved how it explored storytelling in a wonderfully interesting way within the story, about the lines between truth and fiction, choice and destiny, plot and erratic life, etc. That was fascinating
cons:
- I did lose track of character names a bit, it took me a while to realise who Tonia was and I still don't know all the creative writing group, since it flicks confusingly between first name, surname and nickname at random.
- Russel was probably the dullest character, unfortunately, but the rest of the cast made up for him
- I did feel like there were several references I didn't get, even as there were ones I did.
- it is ultimately depressing, in what happens to Thassa (but the book's journey was worth it)
overall, a wonderful book with beautiful writing and a very original tale
REREAD DECEMBER
- liked this less the second time around, but that may be because I was pushing through it. It still has pretty turns of phrase, but its frustratingly obscure and seems sexist in places
pros:
- absolutely fascinating story that it very original and complex and yet has few actual plot points. its all about emotional experience and it works brilliantly
- once I warmed to Thassa, I loved her, and all of the characters had their own warmth and realness
- the writing is stunning, really really lovely, with some gorgeous turns of phrase
- I liked the incorporation of science in it, but how it was challenged, too. and my a-level biology enjoyed at least recognising most of the terms.
- I loved how it explored storytelling in a wonderfully interesting way within the story, about the lines between truth and fiction, choice and destiny, plot and erratic life, etc. That was fascinating
cons:
- I did lose track of character names a bit, it took me a while to realise who Tonia was and I still don't know all the creative writing group, since it flicks confusingly between first name, surname and nickname at random.
- Russel was probably the dullest character, unfortunately, but the rest of the cast made up for him
- I did feel like there were several references I didn't get, even as there were ones I did.
- it is ultimately depressing, in what happens to Thassa (but the book's journey was worth it)
overall, a wonderful book with beautiful writing and a very original tale
REREAD DECEMBER
- liked this less the second time around, but that may be because I was pushing through it. It still has pretty turns of phrase, but its frustratingly obscure and seems sexist in places
macroscopicentric's review
3.0
I enjoyed it, but not my favorite Powers novel. The whole book felt fuzzy and inconclusive. It felt like a lot of stabs from various angles at a hard question, but with arguments that didn’t really go anywhere or reach even tentative conclusions.
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