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blueberry31's review against another edition
3.0
I thought Freedom was a great book, the style very easy to read. What I enjoyed most was the complexity of the characters, though I know many found them superficial and stereotypical, I didn't have that feeling at all. It's true that they could be easily fit into boxes with labels, but you could easily do that with any book and I think in this case the characters at least have a coherent attitude and make choices that seem in tune with everything we are told about their lives.
Actually, reading this book felt like being Big Brother. You are into their lives, thoughts, actions and decisions. You know everything from their childhood until present times. Switching not only the character's point view every so often, but also the time of their lives made it feel like stories in the story. Even after finishing it I thought back on the book and felt like I had met these people, they felt real.
This book also deals with themes like religion, politics, and more generally: life. The passing of time, building relationships, destroying them, loneliness, selfishness, competitiveness. I feel it would be impossible not to relate to at least one theme in this book.
My only problem was the length, it was sometimes hard for me to read on when the characters weren't in a specifically critical phase of their lives and there was no action at all. Also, I absolutely hated the character of Lalitha, which in my opinion was the least complex and detailed one. She somehow felt less likeable because of this and I couldn't bring myself to care whenever she was involved.
So overall, very interesting read, coherent with today's society and the way mentalities have evolved and with good character building. But not a "love at first read" type of book, and a little too long for my taste at times.
Actually, reading this book felt like being Big Brother. You are into their lives, thoughts, actions and decisions. You know everything from their childhood until present times. Switching not only the character's point view every so often, but also the time of their lives made it feel like stories in the story. Even after finishing it I thought back on the book and felt like I had met these people, they felt real.
This book also deals with themes like religion, politics, and more generally: life. The passing of time, building relationships, destroying them, loneliness, selfishness, competitiveness. I feel it would be impossible not to relate to at least one theme in this book.
My only problem was the length, it was sometimes hard for me to read on when the characters weren't in a specifically critical phase of their lives and there was no action at all. Also, I absolutely hated the character of Lalitha, which in my opinion was the least complex and detailed one. She somehow felt less likeable because of this and I couldn't bring myself to care whenever she was involved.
So overall, very interesting read, coherent with today's society and the way mentalities have evolved and with good character building. But not a "love at first read" type of book, and a little too long for my taste at times.
ilman002's review against another edition
5.0
No words. Life-altering fiction. It will stay with me for a long time.
islandbrendareads's review against another edition
3.0
Slogged my way through this book, but really don't understand what Oprah saw in it. Glad it's finished and I can move on to something else.
bethmara's review against another edition
4.0
As three college friends come together and fall apart, Freedom offers glimpses into the lives of a hands-on parenting couple and their friend who moves on to fame and fortune in music.
Franzen is masterful in creating characters that get and stay in your head. There are no simple narratives for any of the people he follows
Like most of Franzens books, however, no one is happy. You see each character live their lives to the fullest in youth and fade into regret and engage in horrible efforts to recapture their glory.
If you want to book where you have to see the consequences of every mistake every one of these people has made, this is absolutely going to be a great read for you.
I recommend drinking while reading Frazens books.
Franzen is masterful in creating characters that get and stay in your head. There are no simple narratives for any of the people he follows
Like most of Franzens books, however, no one is happy. You see each character live their lives to the fullest in youth and fade into regret and engage in horrible efforts to recapture their glory.
If you want to book where you have to see the consequences of every mistake every one of these people has made, this is absolutely going to be a great read for you.
I recommend drinking while reading Frazens books.
alreadyemily's review against another edition
4.0
A modern, WASP Hundred Years of Solitude. Compelling characters, arresting story.
vegas37's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bugsywithcrocs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
m_klevenberg's review against another edition
4.0
I liked the way this book made me feel about real life. No matter how ridiculous your life is or the way you feel... it will work.
mckmillican's review against another edition
When I can buck up and take on a brick of a book, I love reading Franzen. Dense, detailed, smart writing. You’ll enjoy this book way more of you give yourself permission to skim the boring bits. Sorry!
itsbeansyo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5