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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Fantastisch boek over het fictieve levensverhaal van Ronald Baines. Ontroerende, prachtig beschreven scènes (de reünie in Berlijn vergeet ik nooit meer) en een hoofdpersonage waar ik aan verknocht raakte, waardoor alles nog harder binnen komt.
Simpelweg prachtig.
5sterren
Simpelweg prachtig.
5sterren
I think this may be a masterpiece - I’m a great Ian McEwan fan, although there are a few sub-par titles in his back catalogue, and I think this stands right up there with the best of them. Absorbing and spell-binding throughout.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A great book, 4.5 stars. Great writing, great story, great insights. I noticed that I admired his writing while reading, which for me means that there was a slight distance between me and his tale. I assume that this is exactly what McEwan wanted to achieve, though I love a story that envelops me completely.
I always look forward to reading Ian McEwan, so am often disappointed. This was like a very long and humourless obituary for someone who unfortunately was not yet dead.
It took a while for me to really get into it. The beginning was slow and the paperback does not offer the best reading experience - it is one of those compact books with small letters and tight line spacing.
That being said, eventually the story got me. After the first hundred pages or so I was quite invested. I would describe it as comprehensive. A person's story from beginning to end (sort of).
I particularly enjoyed the way that perspective shifts throughout the book, the depth of emotion, the heartbreak and hope that permeate throughout. The author comes across as a patient craftsman. Steady and confident in his narrative and story knowing that if you stick with him you are in for a ride.
That being said, eventually the story got me. After the first hundred pages or so I was quite invested. I would describe it as comprehensive. A person's story from beginning to end (sort of).
I particularly enjoyed the way that perspective shifts throughout the book, the depth of emotion, the heartbreak and hope that permeate throughout. The author comes across as a patient craftsman. Steady and confident in his narrative and story knowing that if you stick with him you are in for a ride.
I read this while travelling in Europe. i enjoyed reading events of many parallels with my life, the hero was bornv3 years before be.
the description of the anti-Nazi underground movement in germany in the 30s and 40s was a precursor to my visits to the memorials in Berlin.
I enjoyed reading, and the writing, plot and character development were top quality.
but.. not as compelling as McEwan's best work.
the description of the anti-Nazi underground movement in germany in the 30s and 40s was a precursor to my visits to the memorials in Berlin.
I enjoyed reading, and the writing, plot and character development were top quality.
but.. not as compelling as McEwan's best work.
The one redeeming quality is that the book ended. There was nothing that attracted me to any of the characters. There was no connection to anything in my world, which is not a factor to like or dislike, but I felt as if things "just happened" to Bains. I suppose that is the way most of our lives go but Bains life felt like a victimhood.
This was a laborious, unrelenting read. After reading a few of McEwan's novels I realise that he is not the author for me.
This was a laborious, unrelenting read. After reading a few of McEwan's novels I realise that he is not the author for me.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes