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luhendry's review against another edition
1.0
What’s the story? Where is the stuff?
The characters are dry, the men are unlikeable.
I loved Normal People, both book and tv show so maybe everything else just fails in comparison.
The characters are dry, the men are unlikeable.
I loved Normal People, both book and tv show so maybe everything else just fails in comparison.
almondlatte's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
4.0
rachlott's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
radiantdaydreams's review against another edition
3.0
om nom nom nom first post-IB book!!! I know I haven't been reading when the lack of quotation marks in dialogue truly, truly, confused me. But then again, this book has been stuck collecting dust at the back of my bookshelf since the book convention two years ago (i'm sorry book, it's my fault).
On the topic of romance: I got so frustrated after the first few interactions between Eileen and Simon...they were head over heels for each other and I thought their relationship was just building up for the first few chapters and something was gonna happen...but it kept building and building and at some point I was very convinced one of them was gonna die (was betting on Eileen) to save the awkward will-they-won't-they relationship. I guess what my frenetic brain is trying to say here is the romantic intentions and character motivations between Eileen and Simon weren't obvious enough for me to understand. Felix and Alice -- I got more questions than answers by the end of the book. Why Felix? Why are they still together? Why does Alice love him??? Okay I guess that's probably kind of the point of their relationship. But still, I'm befuddled. (I'm too benighted for this...)
On the topic of friendship: No notes. appreciated the emails sent between Alice & Eileen, I want to now send emails to friends that are as long-winded and confrontational...though I fear my friends would not reciprocate nor appreciate such a gesture
I probably need to reread this when I'm older because a lot of what each character was working through just flew right over my head... is this what friendship + relationships look like after college?only one way to find out...
On the topic of romance: I got so frustrated after the first few interactions between Eileen and Simon...they were head over heels for each other and I thought their relationship was just building up for the first few chapters and something was gonna happen...but it kept building and building and at some point I was very convinced one of them was gonna die (was betting on Eileen) to save the awkward will-they-won't-they relationship. I guess what my frenetic brain is trying to say here is the romantic intentions and character motivations between Eileen and Simon weren't obvious enough for me to understand. Felix and Alice -- I got more questions than answers by the end of the book. Why Felix? Why are they still together? Why does Alice love him??? Okay I guess that's probably kind of the point of their relationship. But still, I'm befuddled. (I'm too benighted for this...)
On the topic of friendship: No notes. appreciated the emails sent between Alice & Eileen, I want to now send emails to friends that are as long-winded and confrontational...though I fear my friends would not reciprocate nor appreciate such a gesture
I probably need to reread this when I'm older because a lot of what each character was working through just flew right over my head... is this what friendship + relationships look like after college?only one way to find out...
seagul's review against another edition
4.0
First romance novel I've read. I quite liked the emails involved between Alice and Eileen, a very interesting peek at a very intimate part of life, letters between two friends. Overrall a good read
mcastello13's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I was a bit wary going into this as I loved Sally Rooney’s first two novels but hadn’t heard great reviews of this one. But on finishing this, I’m reminded that you can’t always rely on others’ reviews and sometimes just need to read the book for yourself.
And what can I say now that I’ve finished it, other than that I continue to love her writing? Her characters are never deeply lovable, more just ordinary people of a certain race, class, socioeconomic background, etc, who - for better or worse - I tend to find quite relatable. This is true about all of her books in my experience, although I think I found the characters in this one the least endearing. Not that that affects the quality of the book, however, and I think is actually part of the point. And maybe, in a way, makes them all the more lovable.
There’s so much more I could dive into about all this novel explores, but instead I’ll just note how much I enjoyed it and how much I’m looking forward to another Sally Rooney book later this year.
And what can I say now that I’ve finished it, other than that I continue to love her writing? Her characters are never deeply lovable, more just ordinary people of a certain race, class, socioeconomic background, etc, who - for better or worse - I tend to find quite relatable. This is true about all of her books in my experience, although I think I found the characters in this one the least endearing. Not that that affects the quality of the book, however, and I think is actually part of the point. And maybe, in a way, makes them all the more lovable.
There’s so much more I could dive into about all this novel explores, but instead I’ll just note how much I enjoyed it and how much I’m looking forward to another Sally Rooney book later this year.
lia_12's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
victoriakvitnes's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
4.5