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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
Actual star rating closer to 2.5 stars.
I think I went into this book with the wrong attitude or expectations. I thought it would be a good book based on the fact that I recognized the title as being from some top-books-list and from the fact that I knew it had a major movie production. Because of that I thought it would be great, even though it wasn't something I would normally really pick up. That is not the right way to go into a book, and I was wrong. I didn't like it.
I read this in German, and I do end up not liking German books a lot of the times. Mostly because I have to read the books for class [and when something is mandatory, it is less fun]. Yet I had high hopes for this one. It seemed to be like this would be a different story. For me, it wasn't.
I didn't feel connected to the characters. Not really, I didn't really care for them in anyway. It wasn't like the book was even trying though, it was like it was keeping its distance. That wasn't very pleasant to read. (I thought it was boring.)
The story itself wasn't really gripping. It was a bit interesting at times, and I managed to keep reading, but it wasn't fast-paced or packed with interesting events. Also, it didn't really feel that realistic a lot of the times and I felt the distance between me and the book growing bigger and bigger.
Furthermore, I think some of the stuff escalated really quickly and without any warning or build-up, which was annoying and I had a couple of "wtf-moments" (not the good kind). It made the feeling that it wasn't realistic only stronger.
The whole "love story" thing I thought would be part of it, was something I couldn't really see. I think it had elements of child-abuse and showed some of the psychical consequences the character had to deal with. Reading about this wasn't really my taste.
I can sort of see why other people might like it. There was even a tiny part that I liked (therefore the 2.5 stars instead of 2.0), but it didn't help the story in the end for me.
Sadly, I have to say that I disliked this book.
I think I went into this book with the wrong attitude or expectations. I thought it would be a good book based on the fact that I recognized the title as being from some top-books-list and from the fact that I knew it had a major movie production. Because of that I thought it would be great, even though it wasn't something I would normally really pick up. That is not the right way to go into a book, and I was wrong. I didn't like it.
I read this in German, and I do end up not liking German books a lot of the times. Mostly because I have to read the books for class [and when something is mandatory, it is less fun]. Yet I had high hopes for this one. It seemed to be like this would be a different story. For me, it wasn't.
I didn't feel connected to the characters. Not really, I didn't really care for them in anyway. It wasn't like the book was even trying though, it was like it was keeping its distance. That wasn't very pleasant to read. (I thought it was boring.)
The story itself wasn't really gripping. It was a bit interesting at times, and I managed to keep reading, but it wasn't fast-paced or packed with interesting events. Also, it didn't really feel that realistic a lot of the times and I felt the distance between me and the book growing bigger and bigger.
Furthermore, I think some of the stuff escalated really quickly and without any warning or build-up, which was annoying and I had a couple of "wtf-moments" (not the good kind). It made the feeling that it wasn't realistic only stronger.
The whole "love story" thing I thought would be part of it, was something I couldn't really see. I think it had elements of child-abuse and showed some of the psychical consequences the character had to deal with. Reading about this wasn't really my taste.
I can sort of see why other people might like it. There was even a tiny part that I liked (therefore the 2.5 stars instead of 2.0), but it didn't help the story in the end for me.
Sadly, I have to say that I disliked this book.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Well written but so emotionally removed. I wanted to like it more but it was kind of a cold read -- never felt much for either character.
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Aside form the film adaptation, I only recall this one because for a while it was the worst book I had ever completed. I am unsure whether it still mantains that distinction
Read this book in a college history class on Modern Germany for insight on post-WWII tension between the generations. Through the odd and uncomfortable relationship between the main character and his childhood love interest, we explored the love-hate relationship the young Germans of the time had with their parents and elders in the Nazi generation in a very curious way. The author is, after all, part of this younger generation and too a judge.
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book makes you think from beginning to end. What would you do in those situations present?? Also the movie was fantasticly portrayed.
reflective
fast-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