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january_one's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jwinchell's review
4.0
This book asks a lot of the reader: to keep straight a 2 page cast of characters, all of whom intersect or are cousins or lovers or the children of lovers who have cousins they also know. Once I got going, while referring back to the cast constantly, I got into the intertwining story lines of 2 main families and their lives in NY, Georgia, Vietnam, Germany and more. If you’re up for an ambitious read, try this.
eduardoleitev's review against another edition
4.0
Terminei esse livro tão perdido como comecei, mas com uma sensação de que li algo magnífico. Preciso ler mais algumas vezes para conseguir assimilar tudo.
cdebrecz's review against another edition
3.0
This is a complex intergenerational story that spans decades and has a huge cast of characters. I had a hard time keeping track of everyone and following the jumps between the different settings in each chapter, but I also loved watching the story unfold from so many perspectives and admired how each narrator had a distinct and authentic voice. The overall effect was really beautiful and moving. I feel like I'd need to read this a second time over a shorter time frame to fully appreciate all of its layers.
the_spines's review against another edition
2.0
I just didn't really get this book, wasn't for me. Full review and discussion Qs here: https://meganprokott.com/thespinesbookclub//the-spines-book-club-the-travelers-july
trishadenise's review against another edition
4.0
Long, winding, savory. I really liked it, but had to take my time with it and it took a while for it to take hold with me. the writing is excellent, even while the story and characters are broad and unwieldy at first, which is what kept me reading.
lindseyzank's review
4.0
An inventive, playful, and sharp story about an interracial family across generations and historical moments (from the 1950's through 2010) in American history. My reading experience of this book was highly enjoyable because of the way Porter balances character development with controlled narrative experimentation with exploration of how race affects family relationships and people's experiences of history. The novel also examines death, disappointment, love, sexuality, marriage, and the ties that bind people together. The writing is emotional, funny, intelligent. I particularly loved Eloise's story, a Black woman who admires Bessie Coleman and wants to become a pilot, and who struggles over the years to embrace her lesbian identity. Porter is a smart, smart writer, and I can't wait to read what she writes next!
62rena's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0