Reviews

The Arsonist by Sue Miller

mmboo's review against another edition

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3.0

3 1/2 stars really. I found the main character annoying and tiresome, but liked other characters and the story. Another book I liked where I didn't like the main character but liked the writing and the other characters.

frannyfran's review against another edition

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tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

debsonthecouchwabook's review against another edition

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emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

psmith402's review against another edition

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

2.5

lilia123's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

lizbeth5's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved this book. Maybe at the bone a simple love story, but oh, the layers on top! The main character Frankie, returns from aid work in Africa to a summer town in New Hampshire to figure out her next steps. Her parents, in their summer house, are just entering the frightening world of dementia, for one of them, and the necessary response from the other. Frankie also, through the eyes of another character begins to see the contrast between and the necessary agreement among summer people and local residents. Meanwhile Frankie herself has to decide which life she wants, which life is real, and which has a future promise for her.
Deeply felt and beautifully written.

srhkendall18's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious sad tense 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

4.0

charina12's review against another edition

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relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

margaretmechinus's review against another edition

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4.0

My third Sue Miller book in a row. I do enjoy her writing style. Her characters are well developed. Her plots are different and interesting: By now I’m not surprised that the endings are always a bit melancholy, not happily ever after, everything wrapped up with a bow. Her writing is very real. I did notice in this book, how often she has her characters “rinsing their plates and glasses.” Maybe an obsession of hers?

readingbecs83's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars