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kaileycool's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
I’m really confused about why I disliked this book so much because it seems like just the kind of book I’d like. I think ultimately it’s beautifully-written without any real depth. There are too many characters, too much imagery, too much symbolism - this is hard for me to say as an English teacher who loves all of those things! It’s just too many threads and none deeply woven.
vizira's review against another edition
4.0
a much quieter novel than the blurb implies, with some of the loveliest prose i've seen all year
angnian's review against another edition
5.0
Hauntingly beautiful. A difficult subject matter poetically written.
krobart's review against another edition
5.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2020/09/28/review-1557-idaho/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2020/09/28/review-1557-idaho/
starbeans's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
I can't really rate this book. If you're looking for something with a forward-moving story, where things are explained and eventually come to closure, you won't find it here. This is a glimpse into the lives of two women, heavily intertwined, and yet as distant as can be. It's an interesting read for sure, but I haven't decided whether I like the open-endedness of it all or whether I'd like it to be a bit more closed.
derekmoodyrutledge's review against another edition
5.0
This book is beautiful. Emily Ruskovich is a stunning storyteller. This book is so moving and fascinating and gorgeously written. Highly recommended!
constantine2020's review against another edition
dark
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
3.0
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Literary Fiction
Idaho is a novel by Emily Ruskovich that tells the story of Ann and Wade, a couple who have built a life for themselves in the rugged landscape of northern Idaho. Their lives are turned upside down when Wade's memory begins to fade, and Ann is forced to confront the truth about what happened to his first wife, Jenny, and their daughters.
The novel is told from multiple perspectives, including those of Ann, Wade, and Jenny, and it gradually reveals the shocking act that fractured their lives. It is a story about love, loss, memory, and the power of forgiveness.
The prose was undeniably beautiful, weaving a tapestry of words that painted the harsh Idaho landscape and the fractured lives within it. Yet, like a song with a beautiful melody but a jarring rhythm, the reading experience itself was more of a struggle than a serenade.
The story's premise held immense intrigue - a family grappling with memory loss, a hidden tragedy, and the weight of the past. However, the pacing was glacial, and the non-linear timeline felt more like a frantic hopscotch game than a cohesive narrative. The constant jumps between the different timeframes left me disoriented, unable to fully immerse myself in the story.
Perhaps most frustrating were the unanswered questions. The novel concluded with a resounding "What was that?" echoing in my mind. Key plot points felt unresolved, the characters' motivations remained mysterious, and the ending offered little closure. While ambiguity can be powerful, here it felt more like a missed opportunity to tie the story's threads together into a satisfying knot.
If you're seeking a literary experience that prioritizes lyrical language and introspective exploration over a tightly woven plot, "Idaho" might resonate. However, be prepared for a slow journey riddled with unanswered questions and a timeline that might leave you feeling more lost than enlightened. For me, the beauty of the writing couldn't quite compensate for the frustration of the narrative's execution. This one left me wanting more, but not in a good way.