dremps92's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
poachedeggs's review against another edition
2.0
I found this incredibly pretentious. The characters felt like distant mouthpieces, voicing profound 1-sentence thoughts. For a book about grief, this felt altogether too light and whimsical.
fha's review
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
3.75
cheungayin_'s review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
lilnono90's review against another edition
4.0
The prose was so beautiful. An exploration of grief delivered with gorgeous lyricism. 4.25 stars
kelliepalmer's review against another edition
2.0
Dumb book. It was actually rather poetic at parts. I liked how he described feelings, emotions, scenery, etc. But he kept changing the person that was speaking. That annoyed me. Keep it all the same please!
dannb's review against another edition
5.0
I REALLY struggled to rate this book. In the end, I loved it. It is beautifully written.
Be warned... it can be VERY melancholy, and I am not entirely sure the characters perceptions are reliable or the author allows to get deeply into knowing and understanding them; however, the prose, the changing point of view (the author speaks directly to a character sometimes,) the roller coaster of life and living... it's a little breathtaking.
This is literature.
Be warned... it can be VERY melancholy, and I am not entirely sure the characters perceptions are reliable or the author allows to get deeply into knowing and understanding them; however, the prose, the changing point of view (the author speaks directly to a character sometimes,) the roller coaster of life and living... it's a little breathtaking.
This is literature.
shelfimprovement's review against another edition
5.0
Two men, George and Henry, meet by accident on the streets of Athens. Both men are in Greece to study the ancient – George to learn ancient languages, and Henry to aide in an archaeological dig. They share something else as well: George has recently had his heartbroken by Rebecca, the very same woman with whom Henry has embarked on a romantic affair. All three are trying to come to grips with the ghosts of their past, and their unlikely friendship represents the hope that their futures will contain something brighter. The story, however, really digs in The bulk of the novel explores the distinct and unexpected ways George and Henry respond to this event.
This book isn’t perfect, and van Booy’s style likely won’t appeal to everyone (it is a little on the precious/twee side). However, there is so much emotion in his prose that I couldn’t help but feel swept away. It’s heartbreaking and gorgeous, an examination of what it means to give your entire self to someone else and to survive the worst kinds of loss.
Spoiler
after Rebecca is killed when an earthquake strikes Athens.This book isn’t perfect, and van Booy’s style likely won’t appeal to everyone (it is a little on the precious/twee side). However, there is so much emotion in his prose that I couldn’t help but feel swept away. It’s heartbreaking and gorgeous, an examination of what it means to give your entire self to someone else and to survive the worst kinds of loss.
senugent's review against another edition
5.0
Tragically beautiful. Love the pieces that break apart and the are painfully glued back together.