You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a required book to read and annotate for school years ago but I remember thoroughly enjoying it so much I received extra credit for my extensive annotations. I don't remember everything very clearly as it was roughly 9 years ago but I remember being fascinated by the metaphors and symbolism. The story was gripping from beginning to end and I found the writing style pleasantly easy to read. Everything seemed to flow nicely and I don't recall having to reread sections to understand what O'Brien was conveying. Overall very well written and I might buy a second copy to reread it without my ridiculous annotations.
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Beautifully written novel about the complexities of war and challenges one faces internally.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
read this again immediately after finishing it. like immediately
Honestly didn't expect to like this very much. It seemed, from the outside, to be a very MFA kind of book, which I often find incredibly unpleasant these days.
But, man, I guess I should have known better. It's been so long since I've read a book written by a soldier about soldiering that I forgot how much I love those books. There are countless examples, but Thom Jones is maybe my favorite.
Anyrate, most people read this somewhere between the ages of 13 and 20, but I'm glad I'm only now encountering it at 30. It's brilliant as metafiction, as fiction, and as a handbook for writing. Whether this is a novel or collection of short stories seems immaterial, since it works as both, I think.
But, yeah, don't have a lot to add about how great this book is, but I'll probably pick up another O'Brien book in the near future.
But, man, I guess I should have known better. It's been so long since I've read a book written by a soldier about soldiering that I forgot how much I love those books. There are countless examples, but Thom Jones is maybe my favorite.
Anyrate, most people read this somewhere between the ages of 13 and 20, but I'm glad I'm only now encountering it at 30. It's brilliant as metafiction, as fiction, and as a handbook for writing. Whether this is a novel or collection of short stories seems immaterial, since it works as both, I think.
But, yeah, don't have a lot to add about how great this book is, but I'll probably pick up another O'Brien book in the near future.
Engrossing, haunting ... and beyond spectacular.
This novel ... comprised of stories unified with recurring characters and scenes ... is completely breathtaking.
This novel ... comprised of stories unified with recurring characters and scenes ... is completely breathtaking.
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A lot more interesting and engaging than I thought. Really well written