Take a photo of a barcode or cover
juliehirt 's review for:
The Woman Upstairs
by Claire Messud
I'm waffling between 3 stars and 2 stars on this book - not because the writing wasn't good or because the plot was boring or the premise unbelievable. Those three factors alone would warrant a 3-4 star rating. It could even rate a 5 because of the complexity of the characters. And it is the character - the main one - is why I may not recommend the book to others. I really did not like her. I mean REALLY didn't like her. And, technically speaking, that is a good thing because the ability for a writer to create a character that you cannot like, and she wants it that way, is brilliant. But I know if I would tell my friends, "oh! you must read this book" they would say "but that character is such a (insert negative adjective here.)"
So - friends and family - read this novel knowing that the woman upstairs is a pain in the a$#. She is insecure, bitter, angry and rigid. And she blames others for her issues. I also suspect she is clingy. And for those who know me, these are my favorite people in the world! NOT.
This is where the struggle over the rating comes in. For the talent demonstrated in the writing itself - I would say between a 3 and a 4. But because the character creates such a negative experience, I was so happy the book was over! Which is why I say between a 2 and a 3 - just to serve as a warning for others.
FYI - I do have to admit, however, that I loved how karma may have paid her a visit at the end. (which is mean on my part, i know).
Enjoy?
So - friends and family - read this novel knowing that the woman upstairs is a pain in the a$#. She is insecure, bitter, angry and rigid. And she blames others for her issues. I also suspect she is clingy. And for those who know me, these are my favorite people in the world! NOT.
This is where the struggle over the rating comes in. For the talent demonstrated in the writing itself - I would say between a 3 and a 4. But because the character creates such a negative experience, I was so happy the book was over! Which is why I say between a 2 and a 3 - just to serve as a warning for others.
FYI - I do have to admit, however, that I loved how karma may have paid her a visit at the end. (which is mean on my part, i know).
Enjoy?