A review by marcusesstories
Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

4.0

This is one of those books that leads you to a deeper, more profound appreciation of life, but you could never really point out of the phrase or paragraph that did it. Because it's not just one phrase or one paragraph, or multiple phrases or multiple paragraphs. It's the complex, subtle weaving of word choice, character development, setting description, and plot flow that makes a masterpiece of novel writing. You never really notice it happening, but you come up out of the book with a refreshed awakening for the fragility and joy of life.

I suppose a downside to this kind of book is that you can't just refer to it for shorthand inspiration or useful nuggets. It's something that demands commitment. It is an immersion. And if you're willing to immerse yourself, it is a transformation.