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3.44 AVERAGE
3.44 AVERAGE
I sense that this book has a lot of personal meaning for the author, but it did not stir me much at all. I did, however, appreciate the empathetic and detailed descriptions of Leonard's bi-polar struggles.
reflective
sad
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 don't know. I was so excited about this book for the first 200 or so pages, to the point where I couldn't put it down when I picked it up and I was thinking about it constantly (and talking to people about it). Something happened between the middle and the end and I ended up feeling ambivalent and frustrated with the book. But because I was so invested in the beginning of the book, I have mixed feelings. The characters ended up being completely insufferable to me. I know I owed some of them my sympathy, but I honestly didn't care. Eugenides' writing was compelling enough to make the book readable (for the most part), and I do think he manages make the characters come to life... but I didn't want them in my life. I didn't enjoy spending time with them, and I was relieved when it was over.
a solid 2.0 for the first 390 pages. and a 4.5 for the last 16, if I'm being generous.
Watch it on the pontificating, Eugenides. I won't be this nice next time.
Watch it on the pontificating, Eugenides. I won't be this nice next time.
Ugh
So pretentious. Basically Jeffrey Eugenides has read a lot of books.
Honestly he lost me in the first chapter when our fair heroine is described as a "cocktease", the tone suggests the narrator thinks she is like too.
Another reviewer compared the romantic triangle to Twilight, and I honestly can't think of a better way to describe it.
So pretentious. Basically Jeffrey Eugenides has read a lot of books.
Honestly he lost me in the first chapter when our fair heroine is described as a "cocktease", the tone suggests the narrator thinks she is like too.
Another reviewer compared the romantic triangle to Twilight, and I honestly can't think of a better way to describe it.
Although I love Eugenides writing, I didn't find these characters particularly compelling. Madeline started off as a sympathetic heroine, but throughout the book, I grew to like her less and less.
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Struggled with this book when I first read it because I loathed the male characters so entirely. Now I'm older - and not in my early twenties any more - I have much more empathy for them all. Really well written book when even when the characters are being awful, you understand them and have sympathy for them. Being in your twenties is rough for everyone, and it's hard not to be kind of an asshole (who's trying to do better). Really excellent character writing, well observed, very funny to anyone who's been anywhere around the arts and academia, and a story that you just want to keep reading. A beautifully balanced novel that takes care of its readers along the way and makes sure you have a good time.
I had no idea what this was about, but I like his writing. He is brave in the way he portrays relationships and the sadness and frailty that separates people.
Eugenides has written an updating of the Marriage Plot Victorian novels that were the province of Austen, Eliot, the Brontes et al. A girl and two suitors, and one of them not being visible to her as husband material etc etc. Tired old romantic storyline and three self-involved middle class American university students, does not seemingly offer much of a prospect to my jaded old eyes. But Eugenides is that master craftsman who weaves these elements together into a fabulous read. You can just feel the intelligence suffusing from every page.
He makes care for these not particularly special or likable characters which is some achievement. Eugenides drips humanity from every page. A master craftsman.
He makes care for these not particularly special or likable characters which is some achievement. Eugenides drips humanity from every page. A master craftsman.
