The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
moomin333's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book so much. The lyrical prose, the way the words leaped off the page into a motion picture in my mind, the descriptive details of the diving suits... I couldn't help but imagine it as a movie the entire time. It's set in 1943 and the sayings, mannerisms, dress, and food of the time is peppered throughout the entire story.
I admit I had a hard time getting into this book. It was a meandering slow start at first; first focusing on the fatherâs back story, and then moving years into the future to the daughter, Anna, as she worked in the Naval ship yard during the war. While I enjoyed the writing, I wasnât sure I cared about the story or the characters (particularly the father), and I almost quit. Iâm really glad I held on.
There are a ton of negative reviews, but if you can make it past the first quarter of the book, you may also be sucked in and treasure the read. This isnât a beach read. Itâs a raveling story of interconnections and existential crisis constantly brought back down to earth by mention of the war.
I enjoyed having to look up several dessert items, most notably the âcharlotte russeâ dessert which I had no idea was a thing before it was a clothing brand. Itâs a complicated looking berry flavored mousse set into a cake shape framed by ladyfingers and piled with cream and more berries. One could have a great âManhattan Beachâ themed party with old fashioned egg creams, whiskey sodas, the clam chowder Anna enjoys at the bar, and many more treats.
I admit I had a hard time getting into this book. It was a meandering slow start at first; first focusing on the fatherâs back story, and then moving years into the future to the daughter, Anna, as she worked in the Naval ship yard during the war. While I enjoyed the writing, I wasnât sure I cared about the story or the characters (particularly the father), and I almost quit. Iâm really glad I held on.
There are a ton of negative reviews, but if you can make it past the first quarter of the book, you may also be sucked in and treasure the read. This isnât a beach read. Itâs a raveling story of interconnections and existential crisis constantly brought back down to earth by mention of the war.
I enjoyed having to look up several dessert items, most notably the âcharlotte russeâ dessert which I had no idea was a thing before it was a clothing brand. Itâs a complicated looking berry flavored mousse set into a cake shape framed by ladyfingers and piled with cream and more berries. One could have a great âManhattan Beachâ themed party with old fashioned egg creams, whiskey sodas, the clam chowder Anna enjoys at the bar, and many more treats.
ilaiza_aviles's review against another edition
3.0
It was okay. It was difficult to connect with the characters. A lot was left for the reader to interpret themselves. The relationships between the characters were strange and confusing.
clairebear_books's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the historical elements, but about halfway through the plot took a turn that I was not ready for or excited about. I understand why it was necessary to move the story forward but I wish there had been another way.
ravenclawomanistcyborgwitch's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written story. So movie-like. Loved feminist themes. Really liked Anna. Buy the story dragged and was too long. I see why it was nominated for an American Book Award!
el_tuttle's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely Egan's weakest novel, but otherwise a fun little mob story with a halfway compelling protagonist.
gunstreet's review against another edition
4.0
I love books set in WWII and I thought this book was very engrossing, although I did find myself glazing over some of the more technical descriptions. Also with some plot points I would end up going back a few pages to reread, feeling like I'd missed something.
The reader is carried through the lives of our main charactersâ Anna, Eddie, and Dexterâ as if on waves, feeling their triumphs and their struggles, their changes, their desires. Although I would consider this primarily a character-focused novel, there is a slight aspect of mystery and urgency that creates a good pace to the story. I do have a raised eyebrow or two about the characters' choices and motivations, and I'm not sure whether my reading of this is as the author intended, or if I am valid in feeling that some of what they did was not in keeping with the way their personas had been established in the novel.
I don't want my criticisms to make it seem like I didn't love reading this bookâ I didâ but there are definitely some big question marks in my mind, and I can't wait to talk about them with my book club!
The reader is carried through the lives of our main charactersâ Anna, Eddie, and Dexterâ as if on waves, feeling their triumphs and their struggles, their changes, their desires. Although I would consider this primarily a character-focused novel, there is a slight aspect of mystery and urgency that creates a good pace to the story. I do have a raised eyebrow or two about the characters' choices and motivations, and I'm not sure whether my reading of this is as the author intended, or if I am valid in feeling that some of what they did was not in keeping with the way their personas had been established in the novel.
I don't want my criticisms to make it seem like I didn't love reading this bookâ I didâ but there are definitely some big question marks in my mind, and I can't wait to talk about them with my book club!
85tarheel's review against another edition
5.0
Human beings want to belong, want to feel a connection whether it is to a large group or just a single person. "Manhattan Beach" is a wonderfully rich novel which explores this need for connection. The story moves back and forth in time and points of view but it mainly focuses on a father and daughter who fight isolation for any number of reasons (ethnicity, social status, gender, etc.). There were times when I was not sure where we were heading and I was a little annoyed by the jumping around but it all works to telling a complete and satisfying story. There are a huge number of characters who come and go but even some of the ancillary characters end up with very full stories. This is the 4th book of Jennifer Egan's I have read and they are all great (I suspect I'd pick "A Visit From the Goon Squad" if forced to choose a favorite) but they are all different from each other. I really enjoyed this book.
poorashleu's review against another edition
DNF @ 9%
I wanted to like this book, I should like this book, I waited along enough on the hold list for this audiobook, and yet it fell completely flat for me. I had no interest in continuing on with the story.
I wanted to like this book, I should like this book, I waited along enough on the hold list for this audiobook, and yet it fell completely flat for me. I had no interest in continuing on with the story.
aurigae's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book much more than I expected to. It's not a fast read by any means, and the setting and characters aren't immediately relatable. But I became absorbed in the world of the story, which is both expansive and specific, and once I was immersed in the novel it was an enjoyable read. The book is long and the plot isn't terribly complex, but Egan's skillful writing draws us into each scene so that the story never seems to sag or wander. I found the novel as a whole well-written and memorable less for any specific moment than for its overall atmosphere.