efabri123's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the author's attention to detail but didn't grasp the point of the book. The plot seemed vague and I found it boring but liked the style enough to continue. I would still like to read more from this author.
kandicez's review against another edition
5.0
Hoffman is so hit or miss for me. [b:The Ice Queen|177515|The Ice Queen|Alice Hoffman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442684298l/177515._SY75_.jpg|4030673] is one I can read or listen to over and over, but a lot of her others, especially those that have popularity, just don't do it for me. This was a winner.
I don't think this should be called a novel. Each chapter is a new story about a particular piece of land, the aforementioned Blackbird House/Farm, and the people that love there. It begins in 1788 and ends up present day. In addition to the link of the property, there is a white Blackbird that seems to be immortal. It's barely mentioned in the stories, but it's a common thread.
I've not read any reviews about this book so as not to be influenced, but for me, this was all about loss. The opening chapter/story is about a woman losing her husband and sons to the sea. The theme continues throughout. Some of the stories have some happiness and hope splashed in, but they seem to be the exception.
Hoffman's prose, even in the novels I don't care for, is above reproach. She writes about color, the scent of the air, the feel of the earth, feelings, in such beautiful words and phrases that you simply can't help but relate. Even when you can't remember feeling the way her characters do, you feel nostalgia and familiarity because she has such skill at showing and making you feel what they feel, even for the first time.
I don't think this should be called a novel. Each chapter is a new story about a particular piece of land, the aforementioned Blackbird House/Farm, and the people that love there. It begins in 1788 and ends up present day. In addition to the link of the property, there is a white Blackbird that seems to be immortal. It's barely mentioned in the stories, but it's a common thread.
I've not read any reviews about this book so as not to be influenced, but for me, this was all about loss. The opening chapter/story is about a woman losing her husband and sons to the sea. The theme continues throughout. Some of the stories have some happiness and hope splashed in, but they seem to be the exception.
Hoffman's prose, even in the novels I don't care for, is above reproach. She writes about color, the scent of the air, the feel of the earth, feelings, in such beautiful words and phrases that you simply can't help but relate. Even when you can't remember feeling the way her characters do, you feel nostalgia and familiarity because she has such skill at showing and making you feel what they feel, even for the first time.
shanshantastic's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cgress217's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this! Many short stories with one through theme. It was sad and dark, but also hopeful and honest.
sadiereadsagain's review against another edition
5.0
From just pages in, I knew what I was going to rate this book. It captivated me right from the start, and that feeling of wonder as I read didn't ebb. I thought this book was stunning. I loved the premise, I loved the writing, I loved the lives within the pages. Absolutely gorgeous.
This is the history of a house, told through the lives of those who lived in it over 200 years in a series of short stories. As a bit of a homebody, I love the thought of all the stories that can be contained within the walls. And the stories contained within the walls (and garden, and barn, and fields, and pond) of this house are fascinating. From a father and his son lost at sea, to suicide, fractured families and broken hearts, most of these stories are emotional and heartstopping. But the format of linked short stories meant that we don't get stuck in the myre of any one for too long. And the prose is so magical that this is not a hard read at all.
This is only the second Hoffman I've read, after [b:Aquamarine|195672|Aquamarine (Water Tales, #1)|Alice Hoffman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1172595116l/195672._SY75_.jpg|4030682]. Her writing is beautiful, almost lyrical. I need to read more of her work as I was totally in love with this book.
This is the history of a house, told through the lives of those who lived in it over 200 years in a series of short stories. As a bit of a homebody, I love the thought of all the stories that can be contained within the walls. And the stories contained within the walls (and garden, and barn, and fields, and pond) of this house are fascinating. From a father and his son lost at sea, to suicide, fractured families and broken hearts, most of these stories are emotional and heartstopping. But the format of linked short stories meant that we don't get stuck in the myre of any one for too long. And the prose is so magical that this is not a hard read at all.
This is only the second Hoffman I've read, after [b:Aquamarine|195672|Aquamarine (Water Tales, #1)|Alice Hoffman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1172595116l/195672._SY75_.jpg|4030682]. Her writing is beautiful, almost lyrical. I need to read more of her work as I was totally in love with this book.
allieboballie_8's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0
sarah_17's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
mwatts74's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75