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heatherems's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the setting and characters of this novel set in the 1930’s and 40’s. A quick, beautiful read. Katherine was a strong female protagonist, and her story was engaging and thoughtfully told. Not as iconic as Great Gatsby, but has the same sort of feel to it. Recommended!
Not a strong action story, rather a gathering of moments that lead a character to examine and assess her life decisions.
Not a strong action story, rather a gathering of moments that lead a character to examine and assess her life decisions.
teresatumminello's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
As my friend Sue said in her review, so much has already been said about this novel (at least among my group of GR friends) that I'm not sure I have anything new to add.
My friend Cynthia mentions in her review three of the characters viewing a Marx Brothers movie to point out that this story is not one of stereotypes. It is also at this point that I hoped the novel wouldn't be just a series of madcap adventures by three smart, kooky twenty-somethings and as soon as I hoped that, the plot and tone turned.
My friend Anne in her review quotes some of my favorite passages, ones I reread before I moved on. And I too loved the literary allusions, especially, of course, those in relation to Dickens, though Thoreau's Walden and George Washington's Rules of Civility are more important to this story. One Dickens reference became quite relevant to the plot later on. I thought I saw it coming, but then I didn't see it coming.
Despite all the accolades I and others have written, my friend Tajma's succinct review says it all.
If not for my friends' reviews, I don't think I would have read this book and I thank them for this experience.
As my friend Sue said in her review, so much has already been said about this novel (at least among my group of GR friends) that I'm not sure I have anything new to add.
My friend Cynthia mentions in her review three of the characters viewing a Marx Brothers movie to point out that this story is not one of stereotypes. It is also at this point that I hoped the novel wouldn't be just a series of madcap adventures by three smart, kooky twenty-somethings and as soon as I hoped that, the plot and tone turned.
My friend Anne in her review quotes some of my favorite passages, ones I reread before I moved on. And I too loved the literary allusions, especially, of course, those in relation to Dickens, though Thoreau's Walden and George Washington's Rules of Civility are more important to this story. One Dickens reference became quite relevant to the plot later on. I thought I saw it coming, but then I didn't see it coming.
Despite all the accolades I and others have written, my friend Tajma's succinct review says it all.
If not for my friends' reviews, I don't think I would have read this book and I thank them for this experience.
apangburn's review against another edition
5.0
Easily one of the best books I've read in a long time. Some books you devour; this one I savored over three days simply because I didn't want it to end. I loved everything about it-- the gorgeous, smart writing, the story itself, the characters.
deagaric's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is easily one of my favorite books I've read this year. I look forward to reading more by Amor Towles. This had everything rolled into one; beautiful writing, complex characters who went through nonlinear growth, intrigue, mystery, and a sense of nostalgia one cannot place.
leah_alexandra's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
This was really fantastic, especially for a debut. Very moody and thoughtful. A convincing portrait of a New York that no longer exists.
gracemc's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Love the writing of Amor Towles. The slight overlap of Wallace in this and Woolly in The Lincoln Highway is a neat touch. Felt transported back in time and that I was on the journey with these characters. Makes you think about the impact that each decision we make has on our lives. I liked and resonated with the emphasis of living in the present moment and to not be consumed by regret of the past or fear of the future.
tonyadenmark's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
marie_blanc's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0