You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.44 AVERAGE
3.44 AVERAGE
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the writing, I appreciated the exploration into manic depressive disorder. The only character I related to was Mitchell whose story line left me feeling sad and unfulfilled. As a religious studies major and a divinity school grad, perhaps I had more patience and appreciation for his character. I really tried to like the ending, but at the end of the day, what I truly want is a marriage plot.
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
I first read this when I was a depressed English major in college, which probably explains the four-star rating I gave it at the time. Now, twelve years later, it didn't do much for me. I'd mentally filed it under "Franzenesque," but where I tend to enjoy reading about Franzen's flawed characters, these three mostly just got on my nerves.
The initial relationship stint driving the whole story is told to us over nine (9) pages and lasts, at most, two (2) months. After that, we're expected to understand why Madeleine is doggedly in love with Leonard to the point ofruining her life for him getting back with him. Madeleine is a textbook example of #menwritingwomen, barely passing the Bechdel test even in the privacy of her own internal narration. Leonard, who the back cover tells us is a brilliant and charismatic scientist, is shown to be neither particularly brilliant nor especially charismatic—nor, frankly, much of a scientist. As for Mitchell, I have to admit I too would choose the manic-depressive Saint Bernard over the whiny, entitled misogynist every day and twice on Sunday. I'm shocked at how many reviewers said they liked him.
This novel does a great portrayal of bipolar disorder, and the writing style is enjoyable. But there's too much telling, not enough showing; too much religion, too many smelly boys. And in case you were wondering how much semiotics to put into your novel, the right amount is zero.
The initial relationship stint driving the whole story is told to us over nine (9) pages and lasts, at most, two (2) months. After that, we're expected to understand why Madeleine is doggedly in love with Leonard to the point of
This novel does a great portrayal of bipolar disorder, and the writing style is enjoyable. But there's too much telling, not enough showing; too much religion, too many smelly boys. And in case you were wondering how much semiotics to put into your novel, the right amount is zero.
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts
I thought this novel began a bit slow, but I got hooked quickly and enjoyed the pace. Also, enjoyed the intertwined relationships of the three characters. In Eugenides style... he does not tie up everything neatly, but leaves the reader wondering what will happen next. This was a good read.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
This book started off slow for me. The characters as college students were somewhat unrealistic, but the portrayal of manic depression was spot on—as was the experience of being with someone suffering from it. Loved the ending.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
