223 reviews for:

The Travelers

Regina Porter

3.69 AVERAGE


DNF @ 77%

This book asks a lot of the reader: to keep straight a 2 page cast of characters, all of whom intersect or are cousins or lovers or the children of lovers who have cousins they also know. Once I got going, while referring back to the cast constantly, I got into the intertwining story lines of 2 main families and their lives in NY, Georgia, Vietnam, Germany and more. If you’re up for an ambitious read, try this.

Terminei esse livro tão perdido como comecei, mas com uma sensação de que li algo magnífico. Preciso ler mais algumas vezes para conseguir assimilar tudo.

This is a complex intergenerational story that spans decades and has a huge cast of characters. I had a hard time keeping track of everyone and following the jumps between the different settings in each chapter, but I also loved watching the story unfold from so many perspectives and admired how each narrator had a distinct and authentic voice. The overall effect was really beautiful and moving. I feel like I'd need to read this a second time over a shorter time frame to fully appreciate all of its layers.

Interesting concept, but it grew old by the end.

I just didn't really get this book, wasn't for me. Full review and discussion Qs here: https://meganprokott.com/thespinesbookclub//the-spines-book-club-the-travelers-july

Long, winding, savory. I really liked it, but had to take my time with it and it took a while for it to take hold with me. the writing is excellent, even while the story and characters are broad and unwieldy at first, which is what kept me reading.

An inventive, playful, and sharp story about an interracial family across generations and historical moments (from the 1950's through 2010) in American history. My reading experience of this book was highly enjoyable because of the way Porter balances character development with controlled narrative experimentation with exploration of how race affects family relationships and people's experiences of history. The novel also examines death, disappointment, love, sexuality, marriage, and the ties that bind people together. The writing is emotional, funny, intelligent. I particularly loved Eloise's story, a Black woman who admires Bessie Coleman and wants to become a pilot, and who struggles over the years to embrace her lesbian identity. Porter is a smart, smart writer, and I can't wait to read what she writes next!
challenging emotional informative reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book I beautifully written. It‘s structure kept me on my toes, jumping around between years and characters who may in some way be connected. This one will stay with me for awhile.