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hgbulovsky's review against another edition
4.0
I feel conflicted about the rating for this book, it was boring but I couldn’t stop reading it, and I really liked it but was also disappointed with it. 3 to 5 stars.
brisingr's review against another edition
3.0
She pitied them, the cowardly ones. Because she, too, despaired; she, too, was blinded by the dark, but to turn your back is too easy. Cheating.
probably the most complicated book to give a rating to this year. I fell in love with Lauren Groff as an author young, when bone-deep tired of first semester of English literature, pre-1000s, I sat in a class of American contemporary short fiction, and I listened to the coolest professor I've ever seen discuss how important she thinks is to have a rounded knowledge of literature, that is not just a chronological passing through literary canon. I was nineteen and I was learning to hate books.
And for years, I carried the name of the authors I met in that class, knowing that I am to return to them. And here I am, at last introducing myself to the novels of Lauren Groff. So much of it still familiar, and my favourite thing still remains the prose and the writing style: cutting and floral at the same time, filled with such humane characters, showing so much and telling so little. I loved how I could hate so much about the story itself, but loving the process of reading it so much. This is a book that, following its protagonists' fates and furies, decides to show them naked of their prestige and pretenses. And how the fates and furies follow the narrative, cutting through the sentences to give their own opinion, following this set of characters, so banal and so furiously faulty, as if they are the center of the universe. [Aren't all of us just that?] So I really adored how this book is built, made just to be undone, and regardless of how much I might want to, I cannot make myself give it any lower of a rating.
probably the most complicated book to give a rating to this year. I fell in love with Lauren Groff as an author young, when bone-deep tired of first semester of English literature, pre-1000s, I sat in a class of American contemporary short fiction, and I listened to the coolest professor I've ever seen discuss how important she thinks is to have a rounded knowledge of literature, that is not just a chronological passing through literary canon. I was nineteen and I was learning to hate books.
And for years, I carried the name of the authors I met in that class, knowing that I am to return to them. And here I am, at last introducing myself to the novels of Lauren Groff. So much of it still familiar, and my favourite thing still remains the prose and the writing style: cutting and floral at the same time, filled with such humane characters, showing so much and telling so little. I loved how I could hate so much about the story itself, but loving the process of reading it so much. This is a book that, following its protagonists' fates and furies, decides to show them naked of their prestige and pretenses. And how the fates and furies follow the narrative, cutting through the sentences to give their own opinion, following this set of characters, so banal and so furiously faulty, as if they are the center of the universe. [Aren't all of us just that?] So I really adored how this book is built, made just to be undone, and regardless of how much I might want to, I cannot make myself give it any lower of a rating.
kelly_virginia's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
ivyiv's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
bewisner's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 ⭐️
TBH I don’t know how to feel about this book. I finished it this morning so here’s my thoughts:
The book is mainly focused around a marriage and each persons life before, during, and after. It was split into two parts: Fates (part 1) and furies (part 2). The first part was so long and boring but I absolutely loved the second part of the book. But the second part can’t be enjoyed without having gotten through the first part so I feel conflicted.
It’s an interesting portrayal of marriage because on one hand their connection and love for each other is beautiful but on the other hand it’s full of secrets and unhealthy actions.
The writing is beautiful and poetic but I sometimes found I had to reread sections multiple times to truest comprehend the meaning.
The characters were interesting but all awful in their own ways. So simultaneously you’re rooting for and against them.
But…the plot twists were great I did not see most of them coming.
So idk if it seems interesting give it a try but it wasn’t one of my favorites for the year.
TBH I don’t know how to feel about this book. I finished it this morning so here’s my thoughts:
The book is mainly focused around a marriage and each persons life before, during, and after. It was split into two parts: Fates (part 1) and furies (part 2). The first part was so long and boring but I absolutely loved the second part of the book. But the second part can’t be enjoyed without having gotten through the first part so I feel conflicted.
It’s an interesting portrayal of marriage because on one hand their connection and love for each other is beautiful but on the other hand it’s full of secrets and unhealthy actions.
The writing is beautiful and poetic but I sometimes found I had to reread sections multiple times to truest comprehend the meaning.
The characters were interesting but all awful in their own ways. So simultaneously you’re rooting for and against them.
But…the plot twists were great I did not see most of them coming.
So idk if it seems interesting give it a try but it wasn’t one of my favorites for the year.
problematique's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
alexandra_arch's review against another edition
4.0
A beautifully written book that was unsatisfying to finish. “Fates” was enough of a story. “Furies” felt forced.
komilo's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
evaribaker's review against another edition
4.0
The concept and story were intriguing, and for the most part the writing was good--although I really disliked the parenthetical commentary. Having the book written in two parts where they compliment each other and fill in holes worked well for me.
barbaraalfond's review against another edition
5.0
This novel is a staggering achievement that belies the youth of its clearly brilliant author. It demonstrates a competency and self-assuredness that give credibility to (1) the importance of a liberal arts education and (2) undeniable intelligence and talent. It is, for sure, and not just for today, a masterpiece of the sort that gives the deepest intellectual and emotional pleasure. Fates and Furies. A Little Life. What a year!