Reviews

Leviathan by Paul Auster

rosiefpb's review against another edition

3.0

I liked it but I didn't love it. I like Auster's style a lot but the story in this case didn't engage me like some of his others have. Still pretty good though, just not amazing.

cav241's review against another edition

reflective sad fast-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? Yes

3.75

adrianalenina's review against another edition

emotional funny mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

floraamalie's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

davechua's review against another edition

3.0

A writer tries to come to terms with why a friend of his blew himself up. Engrossing piece of writing from Auster, though relies on coincidence a bit much, and some of the dialogue doesn't sound like anyone would actually say it.

ohtarelenion's review against another edition

funny reflective sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

cody240fc's review against another edition

3.0

The first half of this novel was ideal. An interesting character study and a glimpse into the life of a fiction writer. Coupled with Auster's sentences and I was in hog heaven. Then there's a sudden twist in the narrative, and the novel flirts with crime-noir. It wasn't quite my cup of tea after that. I found the chapters with Lillian in California to be annoying, and Peter's aspect of the narrative disappears completely until the end of the novel. Auster recovers at the end though, and all in all I thought Ben Sachs and 'Leviathan' were worthy companions over the last couple of days.

While this is my second time reading Auster, it is my first foray into his fiction. The talent is obvious. His writing appeals to me and I look forward to reading some of his higher regarded works. 'Moon Palace' maybe, or the 'New York Trilogy'. This one is a high three stars.

awstorygra's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

jimena's review against another edition

challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

jeremiea's review against another edition

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25