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susannah_n's review against another edition
3.0
This book was fine; the writing in some places captivating and insightful. I was engaged more with Nora's story than Lurie's, and I had hoped that this would not be another contemporary novel in which dual narrative threads were created for unclear reasons, but it was. In fact, this seemed like two novellas of the American West, which had even less connection than most contemporary novels I've read that use dual narratives.
Two novellas of the American West would have been better. Shared themes across them could have worked, as would a slight link between them. But these two stories were separate within the same novel, and this habit among writers always seems to be the result of an inability to be comfortable with following one narrative thread.
Two novellas of the American West would have been better. Shared themes across them could have worked, as would a slight link between them. But these two stories were separate within the same novel, and this habit among writers always seems to be the result of an inability to be comfortable with following one narrative thread.
amb3rlina's review against another edition
3.0
Beautiful writing, but one of the two story lines felt like a completely separate book that I didn't super want to read.
elysahenegar's review against another edition
4.0
The writing in this novel is beautiful without being indulgent, and I especially enjoyed the fact that it is set in Arizona in 1893, before statehood. Most of the action in the plot takes place in the past as flashback, giving context to the short present timeline, with two solidly different threads (one involving the camel corps, which I didn't even know was "a thing" before reading this book) that really only glancingly unite at the very end of the book. If you prefer a story in which almost everything in the plot resolves nicely in the end, this might not be the book for you. It's an entrancing read that blurs the lines between life and death.
angelikareadsavariciously's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed Nora’s parts, but was disappointed by the ending.
robynryle's review against another edition
4.0
Unexpected. Strange. Wonderful. Who knew how much you could come to love a camel?
flightyrachel's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. The cover gave me no clue that it was a western, with camels, and I didn't know what to expect. I found I was a bit confused to begin with. People change names, change towns, and you don't know to whom the first narrator, Lurie, is speaking for a while. However, once you get into the rhythm of the writing all becomes clearer. The way that imaginings, longings, hauntings and experiences combine is very cleverly done. As a reader you can choose to see the spiritual elements as exactly that, or as the projected emotions and thoughts of characters still living.
I adored Lurie Mattie, I thought he was such an open and engaging character, and his relationship with his camel Burke was just lovely. I knew nothing abut the US Camel Corps and am so grateful to have found out about it. I was intrigued to find that Hi Jolly was a real person. Nora was more problematic especially as the book progressed. and I didn't always understand her, but I was invested in her and cared about what was happening to her.
I have covid at the moment and was so grateful to read such a transporting book. Great writing, wonderful characters and a cracking ending. Highly recommended.
I adored Lurie Mattie, I thought he was such an open and engaging character, and his relationship with his camel Burke was just lovely. I knew nothing abut the US Camel Corps and am so grateful to have found out about it. I was intrigued to find that Hi Jolly was a real person. Nora was more problematic especially as the book progressed.
Spoiler
Just get Josie a doctor for goodness sake!I have covid at the moment and was so grateful to read such a transporting book. Great writing, wonderful characters and a cracking ending. Highly recommended.
suffolkbadger's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0