A review by rynicolereads
Bewilderment by Richard Powers

emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was my first time reading anything by Powers, but I now understand why many praise his writing. I wanted to flag or underline nearly every line because his words capture nature's magic in such stunning ways.
 
"Through the circle of trees, so sharp it seemed within easy reach, the Milky Way spilled out—countless speckled placers in a black streambed. If you held still, you could almost see the stars wheel."

I was nervous that I wouldn't connect with the science fiction part of the story, but I ended up enjoying those moments. This book feels more literary than SciFi, which is likely why it worked so well for me. I had a few qualms with some of the character's actions and decisions, but I don't personally need to love a character to love a book. Overall, I found Bewilderment to be incredibly moving and so beautifully written. 

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