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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
(1.5 stars). I loved I am the Messenger and The Book Thief so I have been waiting for Bridge of Clay, however Zusak's new book doesn't live up to his previous works. It took me almost a month to get through this book, and if it weren't a Zusak book I would have not finished it. I spent the first 120 pages trying to figure out the point of things, and had it been any other author, I would have given up on the book then. Bridge of Clay is dense, meandering, and at times very dull. While Clay is the protagonist of the story, he's not as well developed as I would expect. I found his character to be pretty flat which made it hard to stay engaged in the story. The other brothers merged into one for me, and I found it hard to tell them apart. The most engaging story line is Penelope's. In her story I saw more of what I liked about Zusak's storytelling.
I feel bad disliking this book, especially because Zusak spent years working on it, but now that I have read the whole thing, maybe it's a book that should have been left unfinished.
I feel bad disliking this book, especially because Zusak spent years working on it, but now that I have read the whole thing, maybe it's a book that should have been left unfinished.
Definitely could've been 5 stars with a little editing. Zusak's writing is so sublime, though.
If you're expecting another [b:The Book Thief|893136|The Book Thief|Markus Zusak|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1499710989s/893136.jpg|878368] then put down that hope and pick up this tremendously moving, distinctly unusual but enthralling novel about belonging, families, love and forgiveness. I struggled a bit in the first few chapters, there isn't a linear flow to this story and it can be quite hard to get your head round what's going on, and when it's going on but trust in the author and slowly it becomes clearer. This book is very much about the journey not the destination as we are introduced to the past, presence and future of the Dunbar brothers and what brothers they are! The book explodes with noise, and life, and passion and violence but most of all love, shown in a variety of ways, many of them not what you would expect. I adored the Dunbar boys and their wonderful menagerie of animals (especial Hector the cat!) but I can see that some people might struggle a little with this novel but give it time and I promise that you will find something most worth amongst it's pages.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Good, I enjoyed this, though not as much as The Book Thief.
I loved that it was read by him for the audiobook so I was so excited to listen as The Book Thief is one of my all time favorites, and I liked his other one.
Unfortunately, I never got into this book like so many other people have said. I felt no connection to the main characters, I didn't feel like having that many brothers was necessary for the story, and I kept asking when it would get good. I got about 50% of the way through or maybe a little more and never found that moment.
I feel like there is so much unnecessary stories and he says the same stuff. It could have been half as long in my opinion.
I will probably go read the end just to know what happened, but wouldn't pick it up again.
Unfortunately, I never got into this book like so many other people have said. I felt no connection to the main characters, I didn't feel like having that many brothers was necessary for the story, and I kept asking when it would get good. I got about 50% of the way through or maybe a little more and never found that moment.
I feel like there is so much unnecessary stories and he says the same stuff. It could have been half as long in my opinion.
I will probably go read the end just to know what happened, but wouldn't pick it up again.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
slow-paced
It's so hard to write a review about this book, and not spoil anything about what you can feel while reading this. It starts of a bit confusing. It seems like you are dropped in in the middle of something, and it's hard to understand why the character is doing what he is doing, and why this is important. But when the book starts of, it's really something. It's beautifully written, like only Markus Zusak can write a book. You can almost feel the pain the characters go through, and it makes this book all the better. It's really something to follow these children, and how they cope with the loss of their mom, and how they keep each other sane. They act like real boys, and there are not much tears, but the bond between brothers is so beautiful written in this story and how they look out for eachother. Very well written, one of the best reads of 2018 for me
I think I'm just in love with Markus Zusak's writing. He could make the most mundane story beautiful and heartbreaking.