Reviews

Hier ben ik by Tjadine Stheeman, Gerda Baardman, Jonathan Safran Foer

kathieboucher's review against another edition

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Incomprehensible. Just no.

tstuppy's review against another edition

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4.0

I’ve had this since release; when I tried to read it the first time, I was put off by its seriousness and neurotic voice. I expected Foer to keep doing the same narrative tricks I loved in ELIC and EII. Six years later, I found myself really appreciating the story; it felt Franzen-esque and it’s characters were emotionally compelling. While I won’t rush to read it again, I’m glad I read it.

martsfrommars's review against another edition

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4.0

Avevo letto questo libro qualche anno fa ma il mio cervello aveva fatto tabula rasa, nel senso che proprio avevo rimosso tutta la trama, nel mio kindle ero piena di sottilineature e note ma di tutte me ne ricordavo forse due. Alla fine è stata una lettura piacevole, forse un pò strana visto che la mia lettura dei capitoli sul terremoto coincideva cpn le giornate delle scosse in Turchia e Siria

agrdck20's review against another edition

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4.0

Whilst some of it was heavy going I really enjoyed this book. I certainly think it helps to have come from a similar cultural background as much of the Jewish reference can be esoteric and not well explained. Same with the the Israel subplot that resonated with me but may not with other readers. Whilst the subjects the book covers could be thought of as depressing, the writing is beautiful, and many times throughout the book I would have to re read a sentence or observation because it was so beautifully described.

sjentellll's review against another edition

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4.0

It took me quite some time but I finally finished this novel. A disappointing start for me personally but I loved part 4 and 7, that's just classic Foer <3 + got a bit too emotional while reading the last couple of pages because letting go is indeed pretty fucking difficult.

mario_i_am's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad 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

4.0

oco257's review against another edition

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1.0

Reeeeally had to slog my way through this one. Unfortunate, because I really liked Everything Is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

jebbyharebby's review against another edition

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5.0

I found this book extremely touching and insightful. I loved reading from the perspective of a Jewish-American family and all of the Judaic symbolism.

liliya_klein's review against another edition

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4.0

Would be better if there weren't all these weird sexual references. I just don't think they were necessary to the story, however the author's way of writing is something brilliant IMO.

Many good quotes, here is one that summarizes the pathos of the book: "'I guess I was raised to understand that I'm not worthy of all that came before me. But no one ever prepared me for the knowledge that I'm not worthy of all that will come after me, either.'"

davidjordan's review against another edition

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5.0

Really exceptional novel with some of the best dialogue I've ever seen on the written page. Foer is a master of character conversation on par with a fine playwright. These characters are especially insightful when it comes to understanding how their own brokenness contributes to the challenging situations in which they find themselves, particularly when a surprisingly large crisis occurs midway through the book.
I was most impressed with the powerful theological wisdom on display from what are essentially atheistic characters. This passage, spoken by a young boy at his bar mitzvah, is an excellent example: "Jacob wrestled with God for the blessing. He wrestled with Esau for the blessing. He wrestled with Isaac for the blessing, with Laban for the blessing, and in each case he eventually prevailed. He wrestled because he recognized that the blessings were worth the struggle. He knew that you only get to keep what you refuse to let go of."
I will be thinking about this fine novel for a while. This one will definitely stick with me.