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mcleary's review against another edition
4.0
More a case study than a novel, replete with de Botton’s practical wisdom. Both a reflection on the concept of marriage as an institution as well as what it actually means to be married on a daily basis. I found his insights, even those that superficially seem quite depressing, both interesting and of true practical value. Would do no harm for couples at any stage of their relationship to read this.
sarcastic_fish's review
3.0
There is a lot I don’t like and don’t agree with, especially regarding where he seems to think modern marriage fits in its history as an institution. That was driving me slightly mad. While I didn’t like everything he said it was still interesting to have a different approach to relationships. Whether you agree or not I think it helped me see where I stand on a lot of things. I valued most what he has to say about older relationships rather than falling in love etc. Do I think love is a skill.... no. Are long term commitments relationships? Absolutely.
kcjulia's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
I started off really enjoying this book and got annoyed later on. I was hoping to see more character depth for Kristen and a more timely resolution of their marital problems. Too forgiving of Rabih’s actions.
aaishasair's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
charr_alexx's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I was intrigued by this book. I wanted to finish it, wanted to know what happened for this couple, but I really struggled to pick it up time and time again. The characters are complex but distinctly unlikeable which I always find challenging in a book. Bit of a slog.
deschatjes's review against another edition
3.0
Ultimately unsatisfying as it ends abruptly in the midstream of married life while the children are in their early teens before the turmoil of puberty & the hormones of menopause. No word on the period of empty nesting or the love of becoming grandparents- so yes much of interest and recognition but not enough.
tessareadsbookies's review against another edition
4.0
A comforting philosophical discussion on romanticism and love in modern marriage and relationships. This book hit entirely close to home and felt extremely humanizing. So often are we so caught up in how our struggles are worse than others, how we must be suffering alone.. but this book remedies that. As Botton said, art alone can help to overcome our feelings of loneliness in struggle. This is one of those amazing pieces of art that created a sense of comfort in me.
liaaaaaa's review against another edition
4.0
“love is a skill, not an enthusiasm”
less of a story and more of an analytical read on love and marriage — i enjoyed agreeing and disagreeing with the book, and felt both seen (in the present) and mildly terrified but mostly consoled (of the future). alain de botton clearly has a deceptively easy way of diving into the highs and lulls of coming to terms with how complicated we can be.
also, glad i read some of the reviews before starting this. it’s not a typical romantic novel and maybe i would have felt thrown off if I didn’t know that earlier!
3.75
less of a story and more of an analytical read on love and marriage — i enjoyed agreeing and disagreeing with the book, and felt both seen (in the present) and mildly terrified but mostly consoled (of the future). alain de botton clearly has a deceptively easy way of diving into the highs and lulls of coming to terms with how complicated we can be.
also, glad i read some of the reviews before starting this. it’s not a typical romantic novel and maybe i would have felt thrown off if I didn’t know that earlier!
3.75
lindsey_bear's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Always love de Botton and the philosophies he puts into the world. I liked how this one wove those in with a love story. It’s an honest take of the ups and downs of relationships and marriages. I really enjoyed this.