Scan barcode
tildahlia's review against another edition
3.0
I was both impressed and underwhelmed by this book. I think Groff is a fantastic writer, but the first half just had me bored and impatient with the dudebro Lotto character. The second half (Mathilde's story) was significantly more compelling, albeit with recourse to a bit of high drama and implausibility. That said, she wrote sex scenes well (I'll never think of the word 'shucked' the same way again), which always gets points with me. Probably a 3.5.
lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition
3.0
I liked a lot about this book. Some very interesting twists and turns. A few gripes: some of the plot points I didn't understand/didn't believe. I needed more explanation for some of the characters', particularly Mathilde's, choices. I also wish the book itself would have been a little more straightforward. The second half, Furies, had so much flourish and time disconnect that I had to go back to figure out what I'd just read. Overall, interesting theme of never quite knowing someone...
rossgr's review against another edition
4.0
Halfway through this book, I was already thinking of writing this review with the opening line of "I appreciated the story telling, but I could not get past the way women are described - which I found flat, overly simplified and extremely male-gazey" until I turned the page into the second half of the book that switches over to the woman's perspective and that's when you realize the brilliance of Groff's writing, and that you were supposed to feel underwhelmed by Lotto's (lead male character's) perception of her so when you switch to her perspective and see how complicated and intelligent she is, you have a "ohhhhhhh ok now it's going to get good" moment. I loved so many things about this book, especially how amidst all the life events experienced quite differently between the two characters and their own complicated pasts, their love remains so strong and true. A great great love story and so fun and surprising to read - we love Lotto, but make it through the first half if you feel like it's a slow start because it gets so so good!
jrlibros's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
florabutler's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
blaineduncan's review against another edition
1.0
This is one of my least favorite books of all time. I wish there was a way that I could give it half a star (or no stars).
af666014's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.25
Talk about a plot twist. I like the narrative switch halfway through, although am struggling with the larger themes of the book here. Matilde was such a complicated, good character to write in. Really makes you think about how we choose to love and forgive, and how many brilliant women are put or even choose to be on the back burner.
punkinmuffin's review against another edition
4.0
Lancelot, Lotto, is the adored son of a former showgirl and a salt-of-the-earth billionaire. Mathilde is his beautiful wife, centre of his universe and the engine of his fortune. This is the story of their marriage and the lies upon which it is built.
roadrunningwren's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0