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A review by meghan_readsbooks
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
5.0
Thank you for the wonderful chance to read and review Great Circle from Maggie Shipstead. I have read her earlier books, which I enjoyed, but this... was superior and epic. I admit that the publisher/editor note at the beginning of the ARC about it being a truly excellent book was intimidating but also exciting as I am not sure I have seen a note like that before.
Though at times I do not like multiple perspective, multiple timeline stories, this one works so well because it is about the blending of the stories, of showing thoughtful parallels and yet also individual stories that were complete and satisfying. I am a fan of literary fiction and epic stories and this book just nails all of the best parts of literary fiction and epic journeys in books.
I love stories that focus on blurring, even fictional blurring, of lines between reality and arts (e.g., movies) and that focus on strong, complex, and confident women. I also loved that the story included a sibling focus in the earlier storyline with Marian and her brother James as I find sibling relationships filled with important nuance and complexity that I connect with. The connections that Hadley explored in her storyline, and how it brought development and growth, it felt so intense and vivid at times.
I saw another review that said rare is a book that makes you want to both keep reading and yet stop to take a breath and to also look up details and information to explore the book more in depth. I have to agree, this book kept unfolding and developing and expanding in good ways and the story is worth staying with, even for those who do not like longer books or multiple timelines. I also found that the focus on circles, closing them, expanding them, completing them and how this theme was drawn out to be rewarding, philosophical, and though provoking.
There was care and love for characters and their stories, this stood out to me and I appreciate reading a book in which the author seems to know and want to share her characters, and their voices, with the reader. This, and excellent detail and literary prose, stood out for me and make me enthused to share this book with others when it comes out. This is a book I will reread again soon as I want to go back with this appreciation in hand, talk about it with others, and share it in book club.
Though at times I do not like multiple perspective, multiple timeline stories, this one works so well because it is about the blending of the stories, of showing thoughtful parallels and yet also individual stories that were complete and satisfying. I am a fan of literary fiction and epic stories and this book just nails all of the best parts of literary fiction and epic journeys in books.
I love stories that focus on blurring, even fictional blurring, of lines between reality and arts (e.g., movies) and that focus on strong, complex, and confident women. I also loved that the story included a sibling focus in the earlier storyline with Marian and her brother James as I find sibling relationships filled with important nuance and complexity that I connect with. The connections that Hadley explored in her storyline, and how it brought development and growth, it felt so intense and vivid at times.
I saw another review that said rare is a book that makes you want to both keep reading and yet stop to take a breath and to also look up details and information to explore the book more in depth. I have to agree, this book kept unfolding and developing and expanding in good ways and the story is worth staying with, even for those who do not like longer books or multiple timelines. I also found that the focus on circles, closing them, expanding them, completing them and how this theme was drawn out to be rewarding, philosophical, and though provoking.
There was care and love for characters and their stories, this stood out to me and I appreciate reading a book in which the author seems to know and want to share her characters, and their voices, with the reader. This, and excellent detail and literary prose, stood out for me and make me enthused to share this book with others when it comes out. This is a book I will reread again soon as I want to go back with this appreciation in hand, talk about it with others, and share it in book club.