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theseventhl's review against another edition
4.0
This might be my favorite book of the whole trio; ironically, it is also the last. Lydia Millet continues to be one of my favorite American authors - and she will continue to be as long as she keeps writing books like these. Here's hoping that they'll one day release all three books in omnibus format for re-reading purposes.
meghan111's review against another edition
3.0
Soon after Susan's husband dies on a trip to another country, she receives word she has inherited a mansion in Pasadena from a great-uncle she barely remembers. She ends up moving into a large house full of taxidermied animals in various stages of disrepair. As she is at loose ends with her life, she finds comfort in learning about them and feeling as though she is living in a old natural history museum.
The way this unfolded reminded me of [b:May We Be Forgiven|16061734|May We Be Forgiven|A.M. Homes|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1349221581s/16061734.jpg|19176680] by A.M. Homes. It felt restrained, though, and thoughtful.
The way this unfolded reminded me of [b:May We Be Forgiven|16061734|May We Be Forgiven|A.M. Homes|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1349221581s/16061734.jpg|19176680] by A.M. Homes. It felt restrained, though, and thoughtful.
amberhayward's review against another edition
3.0
I'm pretty sure it's my fault that I gave this book 3 stars. I don't think I really got it? And it wasn't what I expected. AND I didn't know it was the FINAL BOOK IN A TRILOGY when I picked it up at the library; is that a problem? I couldn't tell.
I heard about it because it was on a list or in an article about books people give bad reviews to because the protagonist is so unlikeable. But guys? Susan is fine. Like, she cheats on her husband a lot which, whatever, that's her business and it's irrelevant if I agree with it or not. But other than that, she's just a gal in her forties dealing with the sudden death of her spouse and the inheritance of a mansion full of taxidermy. She tries. She has genuine wants and needs and people she loves and, aside of the cheating, she seems like an okay person.
It's a nice story, it has elements of the absurd and interesting played against the mundanity of adult life. I love the klatch of old ladies that don't show up until pretty late in the game. But I was expecting a protagonist like the ones from Gone Girl or Tampa; like, a real cold psychological nightmare of a gal. But Susan could be anyone you know. She could be your mom or best friend or your kid's teacher and nothing she would confess to you would cause more than a slight gasp.
I heard about it because it was on a list or in an article about books people give bad reviews to because the protagonist is so unlikeable. But guys? Susan is fine. Like, she cheats on her husband a lot which, whatever, that's her business and it's irrelevant if I agree with it or not. But other than that, she's just a gal in her forties dealing with the sudden death of her spouse and the inheritance of a mansion full of taxidermy. She tries. She has genuine wants and needs and people she loves and, aside of the cheating, she seems like an okay person.
It's a nice story, it has elements of the absurd and interesting played against the mundanity of adult life. I love the klatch of old ladies that don't show up until pretty late in the game. But I was expecting a protagonist like the ones from Gone Girl or Tampa; like, a real cold psychological nightmare of a gal. But Susan could be anyone you know. She could be your mom or best friend or your kid's teacher and nothing she would confess to you would cause more than a slight gasp.
pearloz's review against another edition
3.0
Started off really strong, but about 3/4 of the way through it began to taper off. Quality was weak by then, the ending rushed. And a great source of her anxiety throughout the novel is dispatched off-screen, merely an afterthought--I didn't like how that was handled. Good read otherwise.
erika_is_reading's review against another edition
Finished this last night. It left me very melancholy. And not a good melancholy, either. A lot to think about.
moirastone's review against another edition
4.0
Rather glorious, if a tad slow in the final third. The last two pages are astonishing. I read them aloud, got a bit drunk, then read them aloud again. Can only suggest the same.
(ALSO, let's talk about that TERRIBLE cover. I felt insulted just looking at it. The woman's body part + tree/door/gate + twee graphic trope is enraging.)
(ALSO, let's talk about that TERRIBLE cover. I felt insulted just looking at it. The woman's body part + tree/door/gate + twee graphic trope is enraging.)
poetkatiev's review against another edition
3.0
http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/books/15892321/magnificence-by-lydia-millet-book-review
jodipyle18's review against another edition
5.0
Intriguing, engrossing, and extremely beautifully written. I will be thinking about this book for a long time...I may just need to read it again.
k8iedid's review against another edition
Middle-aged un-husbanded lady living life by her terms in a new house?! Susan has a bit in common with Sam, the heroine of Wayward in that way. I gave it until 35% but then DNF'd b/c I just didn't see where the plot was going. Maybe another time?
silverjennydollar's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25