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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
I found it hard to get into and hard to read because very wordy and use of hard vocabulary. I also did not like the ending and was very confused with why it ended the way it did. I like the idea of the story but not the way it was written.
I loved this book. I loved the faithfulness of the characters to one another, through difficult situations and hard personalities. Definitely one of the best things I've read. Ever.
I really liked this book. I loved the writing, although it definitely was a character-development book vs a plot book. Crossing to safety is about two couples who are friends and how their lives intertwine over many decades. There were parts that were slow in plot, but you also got to know the characters really well, which I love. This book illustrates two separate marriages and I like how it illustrates what a marriage can look like, how it can change, how it can stay the same over time, and how each marriage is unique and oftentimes beautiful in many ways.
I felt like the ending fell a little flat for me, with little closure, but I believe Stegner wanted it that way. I absolutely loved how Stegner describes things from life, and then later brings those poignant memories into the story later to illustrate emotion, or to emulate the mood of the character during that time. Stegner does this beautifully throughout the book, which reminded me of how our personal memories/consciousness work. We may have something that sticks out to us in a memory, that then comes to mind in a completely different moment in our lives because of the emotion associated with the memory. I would recommend this book; but it will definitely only be to those who like slower books with lots of character development.
I felt like the ending fell a little flat for me, with little closure, but I believe Stegner wanted it that way. I absolutely loved how Stegner describes things from life, and then later brings those poignant memories into the story later to illustrate emotion, or to emulate the mood of the character during that time. Stegner does this beautifully throughout the book, which reminded me of how our personal memories/consciousness work. We may have something that sticks out to us in a memory, that then comes to mind in a completely different moment in our lives because of the emotion associated with the memory. I would recommend this book; but it will definitely only be to those who like slower books with lots of character development.
Scott recommended this book to me and I loved it and continue to love it...I find myself rereading it at least once a year. The bonds of friendship, marriage and the trials and joys of life resonate more and more as I get older. I'm lucky to have great friends - especially friends with such good taste in books!
As another reviewer put it, "Books like this are why I read." Stegner is one of my favorites.
challenging
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A quiet book that brings back memories of earlier times and 20th century writing. I did not love it - as I loved Stegner’s “Angle of Repose” - so I’m a bit disappointed, but Stegner is a powerful writer. The characters are well-developed, but not entirely believable for me.
2.5, rounded up. Sometimes the prose was very wonderful, and I felt like just on the edge of some deep meaning or connection. But I didn't really enjoy reading this all that much. I didn't feel connected to any characters (especially Charity), and I thought the book skimmed over so much and then just summarized it and expected the reader to empathize. Like I love character-driven books about friendships, but I never really understood why these 2 couples were so close except for the fact the author told us they were. Too much was glossed over, and at the same time, small things or instances were dwelled on and I found myself skimming because I didn't see the point. I just don't see what others are seeing in this book. Rounded up for literary merit and the way he wrote his women characters. Glad to have finished it because that means I don't have to read it anymore.