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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
Each of the 12 chapters is framed by interlocking stories, a single character who crosses over to the next chapter, and the airport where the chapter narrative ends, and a separate one where it ends. Each chapter is place marked by the airport call letters, LGW-MAD is the first chapter. It's a great concept, and the stories are kept moving by lean dialogue, interesting characters of different nationalities, and the necessary exposition. I look forward to reading more by David Szalay, a Hungarian writer who grew up in Canada and London. (4.7-4.8 stars... as close to a perfect 5.0).
3.7/4 — good but not great unfortunately, maybe it was too short? i got through it too fast and nothing stuck with me
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
the pretentious, cold, clinical style of this "novel" is absolutely devoid of life. there is little in the way of actual human emotion, depth, nuance, or any sort of imagery in these stories. every sentence is just fact after fact stated so blandly. three of the most prominent racist remarks are two assumptions that nonwhite characters must not speak english, one comment by a character's father that he worries her soon-to-be-husband is an "Islamic nutter", then this genuine quote in one of the early chapters: "They looked Chinese or something." there's also a gay man who is closeted and married to a woman and physically abuses her! so that's fun!
this was really garbage and I don't see how it has so many glowing 3+ star reviews.
this was really garbage and I don't see how it has so many glowing 3+ star reviews.
Szalay has always propelled his characters into motion and here he takes his approach to storytelling to its natural place: twelve linked people flying from place to place. Each of them is in turmoil and disrupted. The common (unfair in my opinion) criticisms of his incredible book All That Man Is may well have weighed on him and here he has a much broader cast of characters. But toxic masculinity is still his target and he delves with a lovely light touch.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The perfect book to read during a short travel, unless you are afraid of flying.
(September 2024)
(September 2024)
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A clever and enjoyable read. Left me wanting more, which I assume was the author's aim.
there’s nothing special about this book, or at least the writing. the idea is definitely interesting, but the execution is superficial so u don’t really dive into the story.