Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
The book felt strange and out of touch. Why create an alternate reality where Jewish people are oppressed and hated in a way that seems to justify Zionism? And why are they in an all Jewish ghetto? Where are the other people in Alaska? What happened to the indigenous people? Maybe they get to that later, idk, but it felt weird.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The second book on my journey to read the list of joint Hugo and Nebula winners and I have to say I was not super into it. I think if I had started with the expectation of a detective novel set in an alternate history that is not even that far alternate, I would have enjoyed it more. However, given the awards, I was expecting science fiction, which is not a label that I think applies to this book at all.
Starting with this disconnect it was hard to really judge the book on its merits because I was continually waiting for the actual story to start, only realizing rathar far in that this was just not going to be the kind of book I was expecting. All of that said, it was an interesting idea and world, and the characters were rich and full.
Starting with this disconnect it was hard to really judge the book on its merits because I was continually waiting for the actual story to start, only realizing rathar far in that this was just not going to be the kind of book I was expecting. All of that said, it was an interesting idea and world, and the characters were rich and full.
O.K. story of Jewish policeman dealing with a dead messiah, gangs, the FBI and his ex-wife.
This is the second book by Michael Chabon that I have read and I look forward to reading others! Chabon created a realistic alternate history to WWII on multiple levels. He created some very interesting characters, but the females ones could have used more development. Within this alternate future, Chabon brought these characters alive with a whodunit story during a time of great transition. My review is not doing the story justice, but it was well written and an enjoyable read. At a time when we are dealing with displaced people all around the world and the US policy aiming to close our doors to many refugees, it was an interesting to imagine an alternate future in which we gave European Jews a place of refuge in a time of need.
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
There were some excellent bits of writing, but overall I simply didn't like this book. The alternate history, somewhere between a full fantastic alternate world and a simple turning point, grated on me. The characters and plot didn't grab me, which made it harder to follow. And I'm still a but annoyed the union of the title was barely mentioned in a single scene.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cursing, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Grief, Suicide attempt, Murder, Alcohol
Minor: Drug use, Miscarriage, Medical content
I have deleted several attempts to concisely describe this book, so I'll just say it's a tale of murder, Jews, Alaska (sort of), divorce, drugs, fear of the dark, and chess. It's Chabon, so there are a few ingots thrown in, and a handful of fata morganas. I loved [b:The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay|3985|The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay|Michael Chabon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1503806495s/3985.jpg|2693329]. I only liked this book, but it was still very clever and engaging, and the little Jewish references that didn't go over my head were enjoyable.
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes