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A review by brennanpeterson
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
2.0
* Spoilers ahead - so please skip if you have not read it *
I really like the 1st half of this book. I would have given it 4-5 stars.
There were times I was in awe at the authors writing style, his attention to detail, and his ability to deeply develop delve into his characters thoughts and motivations.
But I absolutely hated how it ended.
Dutchess was the most interesting and compelling character in the book. The way his story resolved was completely unsatisfying.
And Emmit had to be the most bland, milk-toast main character in a book in recent memory. He had so little to offer and was about as interesting as staring at a blank wall.
And the hyperarticulate 8-year old Billy - who was able to deduct every possible conclusion and to every vexing problem in the book . . . and seemingly the world . . . . - well, I just don't think he could exist.
There were some compelling sub-stories - Ulysses being the most interesting.
But all in all, the conclusion of this book was not worth the journey - certainly not one along a highway that spans the entire United States. Maybe more like one that connects a few counties and then returns home again.
I really like the 1st half of this book. I would have given it 4-5 stars.
There were times I was in awe at the authors writing style, his attention to detail, and his ability to deeply develop delve into his characters thoughts and motivations.
But I absolutely hated how it ended.
Dutchess was the most interesting and compelling character in the book. The way his story resolved was completely unsatisfying.
And Emmit had to be the most bland, milk-toast main character in a book in recent memory. He had so little to offer and was about as interesting as staring at a blank wall.
And the hyperarticulate 8-year old Billy - who was able to deduct every possible conclusion and to every vexing problem in the book . . . and seemingly the world . . . . - well, I just don't think he could exist.
There were some compelling sub-stories - Ulysses being the most interesting.
But all in all, the conclusion of this book was not worth the journey - certainly not one along a highway that spans the entire United States. Maybe more like one that connects a few counties and then returns home again.