theshiftyshadow's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I wasn't sure I was going to like this. The first few chapters felt like it was going to be hard to follow, and like it was going to go heavy on the magical realism, which I'm not a huge fan of. And then it took a turn into suburban crime drama, which I wasn't sure I'd be keen on either. Thankfully it quickly gets into it's stride and reveals what it really is, a magnificent sweeping story about love.
One of the central themes explored here is the idea of whether people are good or bad, and main character Eli wrestles with the fact he loves people who do bad things, and that people who do bad things can sometimes do them for good reasons, and sometimes people are just straight up bad people. The circumstances he finds himself in aren't ones that most people will relate to, but that question of are people inherently good, or bad, is universal.
I loved the relationship between Eli and his brother, and his friendship with ex convict Slim. The boy's relationship with their stepdad Lyle was lovely too, and even when they end up having to live with their estranged father, the narrative didn't go the way I was expecting it to, and the way they addressed past mistakes and were able to forge new relationships was extremely well done.
I really liked the scene where the school councillor comes to talk to Eli and August's dad, and we get a logical explanation for the magical elements, but at the same time it leaves enough room for the idea that maybe there is something more beyond our understanding.
I did wish that we got to know all the other characters a bit more, but the story is told from Eli's point of view, so it makes sense that we only see them as he sees them. The writing even acknowledges the fact that every moment that Eli experiences has multiple view points and everyone is experiencing their own version of these events. Which is another really great touch by the writer, to expand the universe beyond Eli's POV, without actually changing the POV.
I've knocked a half star off only because I'm not 100% sure how I feel about the ending. On the one hand, the last 150 or so pages were so gripping and I could not put the book down until I was finished. On the other hand though, the set up for the resolution of all the storylines felt a bit extreme and not quite as grounded as the rest of the book. But it's a minor quibble really, and I still felt satisfied with it.
One of the central themes explored here is the idea of whether people are good or bad, and main character Eli wrestles with the fact he loves people who do bad things, and that people who do bad things can sometimes do them for good reasons, and sometimes people are just straight up bad people. The circumstances he finds himself in aren't ones that most people will relate to, but that question of are people inherently good, or bad, is universal.
I loved the relationship between Eli and his brother, and his friendship with ex convict Slim. The boy's relationship with their stepdad Lyle was lovely too, and even when they end up having to live with their estranged father, the narrative didn't go the way I was expecting it to, and the way they addressed past mistakes and were able to forge new relationships was extremely well done.
I really liked the scene where the school councillor comes to talk to Eli and August's dad, and we get a logical explanation for the magical elements, but at the same time it leaves enough room for the idea that maybe there is something more beyond our understanding.
I did wish that we got to know all the other characters a bit more, but the story is told from Eli's point of view, so it makes sense that we only see them as he sees them. The writing even acknowledges the fact that every moment that Eli experiences has multiple view points and everyone is experiencing their own version of these events. Which is another really great touch by the writer, to expand the universe beyond Eli's POV, without actually changing the POV.
I've knocked a half star off only because I'm not 100% sure how I feel about the ending. On the one hand, the last 150 or so pages were so gripping and I could not put the book down until I was finished. On the other hand though, the set up for the resolution of all the storylines felt a bit extreme and not quite as grounded as the rest of the book. But it's a minor quibble really, and I still felt satisfied with it.
wylaniswriting_'s review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
strawbberryhoney's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
jennyapeupres's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Fantastic read, beautifully written ♥️
emboyle101's review against another edition
5.0
A perfect delight of prose and pace. Dalton had me from the first chapter and painted such a luscious, insightful and beautifully redemptive story. Eli Bell you are the best if men.
sophie_lum's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
julien_alexander's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-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? Yes
5.0
skifty's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cgrondstra's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? No
4.5
elenahitomi's review against another edition
3.0
Unique. Magical. Hopeful. Overall... A special book to keep. Though, personally, it wasn't an easy read because at times I'd feel disturbed. But there was a purpose for it (and how it was written with its unconventional precision and wit). Despite the dire circumstance, there were memorable lessons worth pondering and hopeful and special moments worth remembering . Thus, I would like to express my sincerest thank you to Mr. Dalton and congratulations on your masterpiece. Looking forward to the next ones. :)