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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Usually one of my favorites. I know what I’m getting and I pick her books to read when that’s what I want. This was a total diversion from her normal style. It took me several weeks to finish as I just want drawn into it. Not one specific thing, too many things. I think she tried to tackle too much. And included way too much background about both Egyptology and quantum physics than were needed to keep the plot on track.
Picoult has written some fine books; this was not one of them. Despite her prodigious amount of research—which delivered fascinating facts about ancient Egyptian culture and quantum physics—Picoult’s plot and characters never succeeded in telling a believable story or coming to life. Tempted at numerous times to quit reading and return the e-book to the library, I plodded on and finally reached the last page with a sigh of relief.
Having just read Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library before this book, I had the theory of multiverses on my mind. What had seemed so possible in Haig’s clever imagining became convoluted here as nothing more than a plot device to force Dawn/Olive to make a choice. The unfortunate format of alternating Land/Egypt with Water/Boston, a failed attempt to bring the ancient Book of Two Ways to modern realization, served only to confuse the poor reader.
My rating is a generous 2 out of 5 stars
Having just read Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library before this book, I had the theory of multiverses on my mind. What had seemed so possible in Haig’s clever imagining became convoluted here as nothing more than a plot device to force Dawn/Olive to make a choice. The unfortunate format of alternating Land/Egypt with Water/Boston, a failed attempt to bring the ancient Book of Two Ways to modern realization, served only to confuse the poor reader.
My rating is a generous 2 out of 5 stars
Not my favorite type of book but the story line was interesting and the characters were engaging. I had a hard time following the time line at first
Really not my favorite book. I'm a fan of Egyptian history so I thought this would be right up my alley wrapped into a "what if" love story.
Nope. It was interesting, but I skimmed the last 1/4 of the book. The ending was weak.
Nope. It was interesting, but I skimmed the last 1/4 of the book. The ending was weak.
In comparison to so many books I have given 5 stars, this one needs more! The depth it drags you to thoughts about real love the kind that breaks you, death and dying, loyalty, and parenting is humbling, sad, thought provoking, and beautiful all at the same time.
4.8/5
This post contains MILD spoilers.
This book in so many ways mirrors my life, so it's a bit difficult for me truly objective. Like the protagonist, I left my classical archaeology program 10 years ago because of life intervening. My specialty was also Egyptian archaeology. In the face of a pandemic and being surrounded death, I too have been forced to reckon my life decisions since I left the program. (the main character- whose name is actually Dawn, is even called Olive throughout, as a joke. A bit creepy!).
First, the complaints that this book feels like a textbook: I can totally see that if you have no background in Ancient Egyptian culture. For me it was delightful- mostly because it was surprisingly very well researched. At times I felt like I was reading about my own life. With that said, I don't think she really over explains, but you should also go into this book curious. And you should probably like philosophy as well.
Spoiler alert:
I was bummed out with how it ended so open ended and open to interpretation. The story revolves around two loves, and the remorse of never finishing her phD program is constant throughout the story, but never seems to be resolved. It's somewhat disappointing that the author almost forces her to have to choose between finishing her PhD, and raising her daughter, highlighting the biggest obstacle (and stereotype, as if it's impossible to do both) for women in academia. I was disappointed that she made the men the priority when it was clear she was also sad she didn't finish her degree, as if her only interest in returning to the field was because of a man. That was a let down in the storytelling part. It had a chance to be less of a love story and more of redemption story. I'm 100% projecting here, but I also feel more reaffirmed than ever that my switch in the direction of my life is the correct one. (I was able to finish my program myself this year! )
Regardless, I really really enjoyed this book and it's still excellent. It was nice to read a well researched fiction book about my field.
This post contains MILD spoilers.
This book in so many ways mirrors my life, so it's a bit difficult for me truly objective. Like the protagonist, I left my classical archaeology program 10 years ago because of life intervening. My specialty was also Egyptian archaeology. In the face of a pandemic and being surrounded death, I too have been forced to reckon my life decisions since I left the program. (the main character- whose name is actually Dawn, is even called Olive throughout, as a joke. A bit creepy!).
First, the complaints that this book feels like a textbook: I can totally see that if you have no background in Ancient Egyptian culture. For me it was delightful- mostly because it was surprisingly very well researched. At times I felt like I was reading about my own life. With that said, I don't think she really over explains, but you should also go into this book curious. And you should probably like philosophy as well.
Spoiler alert:
I was bummed out with how it ended so open ended and open to interpretation. The story revolves around two loves, and the remorse of never finishing her phD program is constant throughout the story, but never seems to be resolved. It's somewhat disappointing that the author almost forces her to have to choose between finishing her PhD, and raising her daughter, highlighting the biggest obstacle (and stereotype, as if it's impossible to do both) for women in academia. I was disappointed that she made the men the priority when it was clear she was also sad she didn't finish her degree, as if her only interest in returning to the field was because of a man. That was a let down in the storytelling part. It had a chance to be less of a love story and more of redemption story. I'm 100% projecting here, but I also feel more reaffirmed than ever that my switch in the direction of my life is the correct one. (I was able to finish my program myself this year! )
Regardless, I really really enjoyed this book and it's still excellent. It was nice to read a well researched fiction book about my field.
I really disliked his book. I almost DNF it several times but I only kept going to find out what happened at the end and to NOT find out was beyond maddening. There was way too much long winded stuff about Egypt that I just did not find interesting. I didn’t like Brian or Wyatt and Dawn’s job was horribly depressing and hard to read about.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The premise of this book was intriguing to me and I liked the direction it went. However, the structure of the book was confusing at times. The timeline would switch from past to present pretty frequently and it wasn’t always clear which timeline you were in as her two paths of life were unfolding. That may have been intended, though.
I think Picoult did a fabulous job at bringing in the Egyptology while still maintaining the relevance of it to the plot. However, there were times that she would go into these heavy scientific or historical or psychological ideas that would almost bring me out of the story because I was too busy trying to wrap my brain around them. This book took me awhile to get through for that reason, as my intrigue would decrease every time I had to stop and get through a quantum physics or Egyptology lesson. With that being said, there wasn’t a very smooth flow to the book. But there was definitely a plot twist that I did not see coming! And the ending was wrapped up really beautifully. Overall, a nice read.
I think Picoult did a fabulous job at bringing in the Egyptology while still maintaining the relevance of it to the plot. However, there were times that she would go into these heavy scientific or historical or psychological ideas that would almost bring me out of the story because I was too busy trying to wrap my brain around them. This book took me awhile to get through for that reason, as my intrigue would decrease every time I had to stop and get through a quantum physics or Egyptology lesson. With that being said, there wasn’t a very smooth flow to the book. But there was definitely a plot twist that I did not see coming! And the ending was wrapped up really beautifully. Overall, a nice read.