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p3ach's review against another edition
3.0
Loved the lyrical prose and how the two main characters ended up meeting, however it was like a long waterless ride in the desert to get to that point. How fitting! 3.5/5
_rusalka's review against another edition
2.0
My favourite bit about this book was the camel. Majority of the characters were unlikable, the story was plodding and long. I left this book for a bit as a library book came through, and I had to actively drag myself to come back to it and through it.
The story was not inherently bad, and in parts interesting. I just didn't overly care except for one or two supporting characters (Hi Jolly/Hadi Jahli as an example. And Bourke the camel). And it just kept. going. I just needed a book set in Arizona.
Disappointing as I have had Obreht's book [b:The Tiger's Wife|8366402|The Tiger's Wife|Téa Obreht|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1382570044l/8366402._SY75_.jpg|13221524] on my physical shelf for nearly 15 years now, but I am thinking twice about picking it up unfortunately.
The story was not inherently bad, and in parts interesting. I just didn't overly care except for one or two supporting characters (Hi Jolly/Hadi Jahli as an example. And Bourke the camel). And it just kept. going. I just needed a book set in Arizona.
Disappointing as I have had Obreht's book [b:The Tiger's Wife|8366402|The Tiger's Wife|Téa Obreht|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1382570044l/8366402._SY75_.jpg|13221524] on my physical shelf for nearly 15 years now, but I am thinking twice about picking it up unfortunately.
aubreybrooke's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
joyousreads132's review against another edition
2.0
Not into Western at all so I don't know why I thought I would enjoy this.
myza's review against another edition
DNF at 33%.
I couldn’t get into the book and decided to put it down.
I couldn’t get into the book and decided to put it down.
zoef's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
pearloz's review against another edition
5.0
What a weird, interesting, well-written, deeply-engrossing novel. I bought the book based on the author alone and did my best not to even read a synopsis, so I had not expected a either or quasi-western, nor the deep dive into the brief and wonderful history of the Camel Corps.
Nora's half of the book I found deeply compelling and engaging--I lived in every moment which was a treat as it seems every moment of approximately 2 or 3 days was explored and turned over and reviewed. The story of her all-but-physical infidelity, the story of her missing husband and sons, the psychic niece, the boy Toby, gramma, Crace...all of it coalesced into a satisfying conclusion.
Nora's half of the book I found deeply compelling and engaging--I lived in every moment which was a treat as it seems every moment of approximately 2 or 3 days was explored and turned over and reviewed. The story of her all-but-physical infidelity, the story of her missing husband and sons, the psychic niece, the boy Toby, gramma, Crace...all of it coalesced into a satisfying conclusion.
flannery512's review against another edition
3.0
This was a slow read for me, but the last 100 pages picked up. I preferred her first book more/it was way more interesting to me.
readingwithmygoldens's review against another edition
Unfortunately, this is going in the DNF pile. I am just not connecting with this at all. There are parts of this that I just marvel at - it is written so beautifully. The rest I'm left scratching my head. I never read the author's heralded debut, but I was anxious to read this as the summary sounded different and interesting. Plus, THAT COVER!!
Sadly, I'm far enough in and I can tell it's not going to get any better (based on my personal preference). It's far too slow (nothing wrong with that, just not my cup of tea at the moment), and while beautifully written, I am very, very bored. I am reminded of Lincoln In The Bardo, (that was also a DNF for me as well) and that isn't a bad comparison, but that book also just wasn't for me. The reviews seem to be all over the map on this, so I suggest you try it for yourself as your opinion my vary wildly from mine.
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House and Tea Obreht for the opportunity to read this and provide an honest review.
Review Date: 8/15/19
Publication Date: 8/13/19
Sadly, I'm far enough in and I can tell it's not going to get any better (based on my personal preference). It's far too slow (nothing wrong with that, just not my cup of tea at the moment), and while beautifully written, I am very, very bored. I am reminded of Lincoln In The Bardo, (that was also a DNF for me as well) and that isn't a bad comparison, but that book also just wasn't for me. The reviews seem to be all over the map on this, so I suggest you try it for yourself as your opinion my vary wildly from mine.
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House and Tea Obreht for the opportunity to read this and provide an honest review.
Review Date: 8/15/19
Publication Date: 8/13/19
manaledi's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this book, but I didn't really. Too many details and too much drought and too many ghosts. I did learn that the Camel Corps were a real thing, and that's pretty cool.