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klbreyfogle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was a slog to get through, in no small part because the main character is the worst person imaginable. It took me 8 months to finish because it’s essentially 450 pages of bigoted hatred and complicated 19th century European politics.
That said, I’m glad I read it. I think the forgery, disinformation, and manipulation to cause strife is particularly relevant in today’s political climate. The plot does pick up a bit at the end, but it’s still kind of confusing to follow if you don’t know a lot about the politics of the time.
That said, I’m glad I read it. I think the forgery, disinformation, and manipulation to cause strife is particularly relevant in today’s political climate. The plot does pick up a bit at the end, but it’s still kind of confusing to follow if you don’t know a lot about the politics of the time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Genocide, Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Pedophilia
andrewkroninger's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Violence and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Pedophilia, Rape, Suicide, and War
emlo's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I found this book really hard work. I didn't enjoy the way the story evolved as diary entries from 2 men who had forgotten who they were, pieced together by a narrator. The only reason I finished the book was because I found the history of 1800s western Europe interesting. The majority of the characters and the events in this book are real; it's only the main character that is fictional. Even so, I think I would rather have read a history book and skipped the endless tirade of bigoted bile spewed by the main character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
Moderate: Misogyny, Xenophobia, and Murder
sgvakharia's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
sgonzo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, and Religious bigotry
falliant's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Antisemitism
kremene's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
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