shelf_husk's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jpgringo's review
5.0
Not a retelling, but rather Boyd subtly uses our familiarity with the plot of the Odyssey as a sparse framework to orient us in a story in which the protagonists (and by extension we ourselves) are in effect shipwrecked and adrift in time. The author’s experience as a poet serves us well: the language is perfect and expressive, and there is a rhythm to the narrative that feels almost like breathing, with each breath taking us emotionally deeper, and further into an understanding of loss, longing, and return. A great first novel, and a book that richly rewards the reader for relaxing into its own gentle sway. Immediately on my “to reread” list.
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