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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
The opposing viewpoints of two different people that were connected in such a strange way was so refreshing. However, I didn't like that the thing I'd been waiting for the whole book didn't happen until the end, and it created so many unanswered questions for me! There are some intense moments that are difficult to read because of the emotional and physical abuse/loss that different characters struggle with or suffer from. I wish i was aware of this going in. I definitely needed to take a break from this book and read a different one at one point because i just couldn't fathom reading on in the moment.
I'm sure this was groundbreaking in its time, but the analysis now feels pretty dated. I think TC Boyle has perfected this style of writing in his later novels.
The only redeeming thing about this book was that it beat you over the head with the idea that people deserve empathy. Other than that, no character was interesting, kind, or deep at all and most were unlikeable. Also the series of events was wild and unbelievable
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this book 10 years ago and I read it again and it still slaps. TC Boyle really created a fast paced and gutting story, developing simultaneous storylines that collide multiple times each in a more dramatic way until the characters end up 180 degrees from where they started, for better and worse. I appreciate how such deep themes of prejudice, morality, politics, and identity were woven into a narrative that was so easy to follow and become invested in. I will be thinking about this book for a long time. Thank you for this classic!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual violence, Xenophobia, Grief
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Took me awhile to grasp this book is not about a intertwining plot and rather is a great critique about “brunch” liberalism
The best thing about this book is nothing is cut and dry. There's not just two sides, good vs. bad, but a whole slew of the gray area between. I think every left leaning liberal should be required to read this book before being allowed to speak about immigration laws.