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lostinfrance's review against another edition
3.0
Wow. Before reading the book and after reading the reviews I started reading this book with the thought that I would hate it. I think because my expectations were low I actually liked this book. Yes, the author needs to put her thesaurus away---- no, I DID care about some of the characters.....yes, I thought the ending was not worth reading the book. But, I did enjoy meeting her characters and seeing where she would take them in the 400 pages. Not far----and a lot of unanswered questions, but the book is not "terrible" as some would say---- but it definitely did NOT deserve the award for book of the year.
twinwaffle's review against another edition
1.0
After I finished this awful, awful book, I threw it across the room in disgust and it damaged the drywall. Fixing the ding in the wall was much more enjoyable than the book was. I'm pretty sure this is the only book I have ever thrown away.
champers4days's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this book was AMAZING, but can appreciate why many readers would not have a similar experience.
Before getting into TEC, the first hurdle to overcome was Messud's writing - it was very particular, with elaborative, explanatory and sometimes digressive clauses dotting her sentence landscape. I found this technique to be quite pleasant and not the least bit distracting, but can see how her style could drive some to drink and/or throw TEC across the room. Rest assured, you will know in less than 20 pages whether or not you are of the drinking/throwing persuasion, and can put down/throw the book, or not, accordingly.
The second hurdle, obviously, was the subject matter. Reading about 9/11 can be INCREDIBLY painful, so please do not try to read this book if you are not ready to experience these events through the lives Messud's characters.
And for the third hurdle, Messud's characters, of which there seemed to be quite a few actually, exhibited that sometimes awkward but true-to-life mix of protagonist and antagonist. I was astounded by the author's impeccably accurate characterization – the combination of good and bad, altruistic and selfless, moral and corrupt – and could pick out characters’ traits and predilections in members of my peer group. However, if a reader is not familiar with this generation, these characters, and the book itself, could really fall flat.
For me, this book was extraordinarily affecting not only because of the events described but due to this collection of exacting observations about people and New York City in 2001. Messud's ability to depict characters with so many different backgrounds - from Midwestern college graduates who move to NYC to wealthy families ensconced in a Central Park West address - was truly exceptional.
If hurdles one through three do not sound too daunting, and you have any ties to New York City, this book is a definite must read!!!
Before getting into TEC, the first hurdle to overcome was Messud's writing - it was very particular, with elaborative, explanatory and sometimes digressive clauses dotting her sentence landscape. I found this technique to be quite pleasant and not the least bit distracting, but can see how her style could drive some to drink and/or throw TEC across the room. Rest assured, you will know in less than 20 pages whether or not you are of the drinking/throwing persuasion, and can put down/throw the book, or not, accordingly.
The second hurdle, obviously, was the subject matter. Reading about 9/11 can be INCREDIBLY painful, so please do not try to read this book if you are not ready to experience these events through the lives Messud's characters.
And for the third hurdle, Messud's characters, of which there seemed to be quite a few actually, exhibited that sometimes awkward but true-to-life mix of protagonist and antagonist. I was astounded by the author's impeccably accurate characterization – the combination of good and bad, altruistic and selfless, moral and corrupt – and could pick out characters’ traits and predilections in members of my peer group. However, if a reader is not familiar with this generation, these characters, and the book itself, could really fall flat.
For me, this book was extraordinarily affecting not only because of the events described but due to this collection of exacting observations about people and New York City in 2001. Messud's ability to depict characters with so many different backgrounds - from Midwestern college graduates who move to NYC to wealthy families ensconced in a Central Park West address - was truly exceptional.
If hurdles one through three do not sound too daunting, and you have any ties to New York City, this book is a definite must read!!!
jessrit's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
stjernesvarme's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jstein8283's review against another edition
5.0
I appreciate how this novel shamelessly explores the narcissistic tendencies of the intellectual class. Apparently egotism exists only among the uppermost and lowermost socieoeconomic brackets, but then again those are the only represented socioeconomic strata capable of living in New York City at present. In this novel, the uppermost is properly consumed with what remnants of themselves will be left behind, while the lowermost are seemingly obsessed with establishing their own credibility in fear of doing just that, and ultimately succumbing to the luxury of the indulgent lifestyle of the opposite class they admire but might actually (also) despise. Aside from the issue of classism in New York City, themes of family life, betrayal and love are also present and ultimately offer a stimulating, incredibly fast read. I would recommend this book especially to any New Yorker of a (hopefully still) impressionable age (and by that I reder to my post-college, pre-professional peers)with the warning that it will change the way you perceive this city. At least I know it changed it for me.
babsaway14's review against another edition
2.0
Oh, Claire - every novel of yours. I try - I like to read your interviews, I think you are a fascinating person. But your books? Just not for me.
alaiyo0685's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
jmclarkson's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this book was interesting and well-developed, but I never really had too much empathy for any of the characters, and therefore was not very invested.