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sisibeliu's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I truly enjoy Aciman’s narrative. I wasn’t completely hooked by the story, but it was a nice read.
esshgee's review against another edition
3.0
Although I struggled to feel engaged in this book at times, overall I quite enjoyed this story about male friendship and belonging. There's real emotion tucked away in some of his beautiful prose. Aciman is a wonderful writer and can really tug on the heartstrings with his fabulous turn of phrase
jujubeans13's review against another edition
Okay so I guess my feelings are somewhat mixed, I was really excited to read this and it was honestly so amazing to read a book set entirely in not only my hometown but my exact neighborhood??? really nostalgic/almost cathartic to read about and be able to place myself so vividly in the exact setting. I talk about it all the time but cmb is such a wildly unique city that I am both unable to describe and find in any other place in the US. this book explains the dynamic in a way I cannot. (RIP CAFE ALGIERS!!!) also all the weird stuckup french people shit is funny/true and I appreciated it hahah. Unfortunately I guess I found this sort of meandering. I think it dropped off pretty hard towards the end. I was looking for more of an arc with Kalaj and the narrator but I felt like it didn't unfold throughout, more like blew up in everyone's face at the end. Understandably, but not the most narratively compelling imho. I sort of lost interest past the point where the narrator is kinda emotionally done with it -- cause if the narrator is, why wouldn't I be too? Aciman is a talented writer though (obviously) and his strength lies in his ability to elegantly and compellingly depict the complexities of human relationships, HARVARD SQUARE being no exception!
winternamja's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
kflorsheim's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
trevorgrandin's review against another edition
3.0
Having been accustomed to the writing of "Call Me By Your Name," I had lofty expectations for this book. First, this book is nothing like CMBYN. Although this is somewhat of a love story, it shares none of the passion that Elio and Oliver held, most likely because these characters are friends rather than lovers. Second, Aciman has a beautiful way of making every page pulse with a sense of yearning. From the character description to the simple choice of words, there's always something missing, whether or not the character finds it is never guaranteed. Finally, this book is the definition of a slow burn. Much like Aciman's previous works, it takes time to become invested in the characters. None of them are particularly likable, but the realness of their personalities is very impressive.
princeofheartsgf's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
geoffry's review against another edition
5.0
Aciman op zijn best: over je plaats vinden in de wereld, hoe nostalgie een verraderlijk beest is, de vele vormen van vriendschap,... En dat allemaal op de luttele vierkante kilometers van Harvard Square.
quincyk's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jefecarpenter's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderfully narcotic. The great memory of your college days that you wished you'd had, that you sort of knew you'd had, all along, but had somehow misplaced.