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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
Truth be told, I didn't finish this book so my rating isn't accurate... I was too bored so I put it down but maybe I'll pick it up again.
A weird little book that left me feeling unsettled. Two brothers are born into the high society of early 1900's New York City, with a mansion on 5th Avenue overlooking the park that is always filled with parties and people. Homer, the younger son (and the narrator of this story), begins to go blind early in childhood, and develops a deep bond with his brother Langley, who becomes the leader of the two. After their parents pass away from Spanish Influenza, they truly have only each other to rely on, and slowly entomb themselves in their palace, observing the 20th century take place around them. This book reminded me very strongly of Forrest Gump in that way.
The book was quick and short, but I felt like the ending was truly the weakest part of the story. It felt like the author couldn't figure out a way to end it, and had it just stop.
I read this for my +12 in '12 challenge of reading the first 12 books on my TBR list.
The book was quick and short, but I felt like the ending was truly the weakest part of the story. It felt like the author couldn't figure out a way to end it, and had it just stop.
I read this for my +12 in '12 challenge of reading the first 12 books on my TBR list.
This was sweet. A quick read with no chapters. I liked these two though I would hate to be their neighbor. I didn't realize this was based on real people until reading some other reviews here. Ordinarily I would feel robbed at a fictionalized version when I could read about the real thing but I liked this inside look per se. It's too easy to slip into a hoard... For some, without knowing or notice.
I picked this up in a fill a bag for five bucks deal. The first book of the bag I read and already feel I got my money's worth.
I picked this up in a fill a bag for five bucks deal. The first book of the bag I read and already feel I got my money's worth.
I enjoyed this, but didn't feel fully engaged with either Homer or Langley - it's like there was something missing, but don't ask me what because I can't quite put my finger on it. I've given it three stars rather than two just for the pitiful ending which genuinely moved me.
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Beautifully written, but very sad. Heartbreaking, actually. On the positive side, reading this did make me want to clean out my house! Also, I love books about old New York!
As good as any of E.L. Doctorow's (Bathgate, Ragtime, March), and that's saying a lot. Not as long as some of his others but just the right length to tell its story. The narrator was excellent.
an interesting book, made all the more interesting that the basis for the book is actually....true. The brother's appear to have lived in New York until around 1946 or so. An interesting idea as to how they got to the point they did, and the spiral of what got them there.
I wish the book had ended with a statement from the author about how much of the information was true. Did he make up the maid staff and butler information or were these accounts people have told? Maybe they are only stories, but it would be interesting to know where the line of true and absolutely created met, at least a little.
I wish the book had ended with a statement from the author about how much of the information was true. Did he make up the maid staff and butler information or were these accounts people have told? Maybe they are only stories, but it would be interesting to know where the line of true and absolutely created met, at least a little.
I struggled with this and ultimately gave up. It just wasn't something I could get into I guess.