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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
I couldn't get into this story. Stopped reading about 1/4 in.
Michael Chabon's writing style took a bit of getting used to and it was not a huge hit with the rest of the book club. However, I found that once I read past the first 100 pages, I was hooked. His descriptions were unique, surprising, and quite enjoyable - and he described everything. I liked the alternate history as well as the (for me) unusual characters. Overall, a satisfying book.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
I guess I am just not that big a fan of Chabon's writing style. Kavalier & Clay took me FOREVER to get through, and this one just felt like a slog. Meh.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a wonderfully written book & a very enjoyable story, however if you don't know any Yiddish it is a little confusing. I don't know much about Jewish culture & traditions which definitely left me at a disadvantage. Chabon is a gifted writer. I loved the characters, particularly Berko.
A super imaginative story. The book slowed way down for 100 pages, but then picked up again.
I have been trying to read all of joint Hugo and Nebula winners. When I saw that this was an alternative history that takes place in Southeast Alaska, I decided to read it right away. The world building is incredible, many details made it feel real and plausible.
The prose is ridiculous, which is mostly fun and sometimes bogs down the story.
The prose is ridiculous, which is mostly fun and sometimes bogs down the story.
I'm kind of confused. I'm going through the Hugo winners and this was one on my list. I have no idea why this is considered science fiction. It's alternate history but I don't see how that automatically makes it SF. As far as the story goes, meh. It's a vaguely interesting police story with a couple of dozen funny lines in it.