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maggiebook's review against another edition
2.0
Miriam, a 15 year old, collapses at school and her heart stops. She is revived and taken to the hospital. The narrator of the story is Miriam's father who provides us with 3 stories: the story of Miriam's hospital stay, her diagnosis and how he deals with this scary situation; a great history lesson about Coventry Cathedral and lastly the story of his father and his life as a first generation American after his parents fled Europe prior to WWII.
The three story lines were interesting and I believe were meant to be cohesive. I know a lot of people loved this book but I just couldn't engage with the characters or the stories. I found myself trying to find the meaning of the 3 story lines and how they were supposed to related to each other.
I gave it 3 stars because the author writes beautifully but overall the story just left me flat. I had no emotion and I know I should have. As I said many people have raved about this book and chances are I am in the minority on my reaction so you might want to give it a go despite my lackluster review.
The three story lines were interesting and I believe were meant to be cohesive. I know a lot of people loved this book but I just couldn't engage with the characters or the stories. I found myself trying to find the meaning of the 3 story lines and how they were supposed to related to each other.
I gave it 3 stars because the author writes beautifully but overall the story just left me flat. I had no emotion and I know I should have. As I said many people have raved about this book and chances are I am in the minority on my reaction so you might want to give it a go despite my lackluster review.
alpha_build's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
4.5
ingeborg_frey's review against another edition
Likte den ikke da jeg leste den, men tenker på den stadig.
linburg50's review against another edition
3.0
The narrator is Adam, a stay at home dad that receives a call one day that his oldest daughter has collapsed and stopped breathing. The book then follows the lives of this family and how they deal with this event.
A lot of themes are explored. I'm not British so I unfortunately didn't have a good understanding of the commentary on the NHS. It explores dying and especially children dying but it all seems so intellectual and it never really managed to touch me deeply.
I can be really harsh and state that there is no plot and that it just 'plods' on. But, as I understand, it is a characteristic of 'stream-of-consciousness' writing. Wikipedia defines 'stream of consciousness' as 'a narrative mode or device that depicts the multitudinous thoughts and feelings which pass through the mind. It as a narrative device that intends to give the written equivalent of the character's thought processes.'
So, don't expect much to happen, it's meant to make you think about a variety of issues. It's a 'slice of life' view of this family. No absolutely tender or heart-breaking moments and no great 'aha'-moments either.
So, on my scale of 1-really bad, 2-ok, 3-good, 4-very good and 5-absolutely excellent I give it a 3.
A lot of themes are explored. I'm not British so I unfortunately didn't have a good understanding of the commentary on the NHS. It explores dying and especially children dying but it all seems so intellectual and it never really managed to touch me deeply.
I can be really harsh and state that there is no plot and that it just 'plods' on. But, as I understand, it is a characteristic of 'stream-of-consciousness' writing. Wikipedia defines 'stream of consciousness' as 'a narrative mode or device that depicts the multitudinous thoughts and feelings which pass through the mind. It as a narrative device that intends to give the written equivalent of the character's thought processes.'
So, don't expect much to happen, it's meant to make you think about a variety of issues. It's a 'slice of life' view of this family. No absolutely tender or heart-breaking moments and no great 'aha'-moments either.
So, on my scale of 1-really bad, 2-ok, 3-good, 4-very good and 5-absolutely excellent I give it a 3.
davethescot's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
"The Tidal Zone" by Sarah Moss is a captivating exploration of family dynamics, mortality, and the fragility of life. The narrative skillfully weaves together personal struggles with larger societal issues, creating a poignant and thought-provoking read. Moss's writing is elegant and evocative, making this novel a must-read for literary enthusiasts.
cosette15's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
Graphic: Medical content, Medical trauma, Grief, and Chronic illness
Minor: Death of parent
kittystory's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
book_wormhole's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.75