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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
I had to go back and edit this review. The more time I've had to think it over, the more I loved this book. The prose is wonderful without being taxing. The characters are interesting. The theme is intriguing. It is one of those books about so many things it is hard to describe the book. Best novel I read all year.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
This seems like the sort of book I should love. But I'm just really bored with it. Think I'm giving up at page 200.....
A novel set at the end of the Depression, taking us on a tour of a year in one woman's life (and the human geography of New York). I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The characters are fun and thought-provoking; the plot really gets you somewhere; there are some absolutely golden lines; and New York is its glorious constantly re-inventing self. Well worth the acquisition, as this is one of the few books I've not gotten from the library or Project Gutenberg recently.
Having read “A Gentleman From Moscow” I was hopeful of another great read from Amor Towles. I have to admit that while I love his prose, I almost put this book down after the first several chapters. I have never been very keen on the “American hold digger” genre and this story opted to feature just such a character as the protagonists best friend.
As the story progressed, this character (mercifully) dropped into the background and eventually just disappeared. Without her, the book was much better. A couple of things about the book: 1) I will never understood what Katie saw in Eve (the gold digger: 2) it surprised me how Katie never lost her affection for Eve - regardless of her obnoxious behavior; and 3) it was really amazing how well this male author wrote a female protagonist.
As the story progressed, this character (mercifully) dropped into the background and eventually just disappeared. Without her, the book was much better. A couple of things about the book: 1) I will never understood what Katie saw in Eve (the gold digger: 2) it surprised me how Katie never lost her affection for Eve - regardless of her obnoxious behavior; and 3) it was really amazing how well this male author wrote a female protagonist.
3.5 stars
Round up to 4 stars for -
Witty lines
Clever conversations
Glamour and glitz of the pre-WWII NYC elite
Subtle but powerful reflections on socioeconomic status, structure and impact
Round down to 3 stars for -
Lack of interest in the main character; I tried liking her throughout. Never quite got there.
Disappearance of a character I thought to be the most witty and clever; when she left the story, the story sagged for me.
Overall, an entertaining read that I never would have been able to muster up myself, so kudos to this author and his first novel. I would absolutely, without a doubt read his others.
Round up to 4 stars for -
Witty lines
Clever conversations
Glamour and glitz of the pre-WWII NYC elite
Subtle but powerful reflections on socioeconomic status, structure and impact
Round down to 3 stars for -
Lack of interest in the main character; I tried liking her throughout. Never quite got there.
Disappearance of a character I thought to be the most witty and clever; when she left the story, the story sagged for me.
Overall, an entertaining read that I never would have been able to muster up myself, so kudos to this author and his first novel. I would absolutely, without a doubt read his others.