calumreads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
scootoquinto's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
austinrandrews's review against another edition
4.0
We will not grow old together. That is something else, which has little to do with time.
Heartbreaking
Heartbreaking
marleskere's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mybelovedfrances's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
nicktballa's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emilyxbolton's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a complete surprise to me, I had never heard anything about it, and bought it on a whim. But what a lovely surprise! I will admit, I was a bit confused about the characters in the beginning, and only caught on part way through. Because it is translated to english, the structure was slightly different than I was used to!
The story itself though is tender and incredibly intimate. I found it interesting how to setting for the story influenced the maturity and worldview of all the characters involved. Vincent is portrayed as youthful, privileged and innocent. As he pursues his relationships with Marcel and Arthur we witness his childhood innocence come to an end. Marcel is very wealthy, and much more mature. Arthur is of the working class, and becomes a soldier on the front. Seeing how all these different characters intertwine and bring out different aspects of one another was so interesting.
There were some beautifully written sections, this one is a favourite of mine:
“I want to experience only the moment, not the looming certainty that I will lose that moment, not the certain awareness that, ultimately, this moment must slip from present to past, only the joy of the moment and the graze of memory.”
“The Absence of Men” was a beautiful, quick read. The intimate writing makes it feel as though we know Vincent, and feel all the things he feels.
The story itself though is tender and incredibly intimate. I found it interesting how to setting for the story influenced the maturity and worldview of all the characters involved. Vincent is portrayed as youthful, privileged and innocent. As he pursues his relationships with Marcel and Arthur we witness his childhood innocence come to an end. Marcel is very wealthy, and much more mature. Arthur is of the working class, and becomes a soldier on the front. Seeing how all these different characters intertwine and bring out different aspects of one another was so interesting.
There were some beautifully written sections, this one is a favourite of mine:
“I want to experience only the moment, not the looming certainty that I will lose that moment, not the certain awareness that, ultimately, this moment must slip from present to past, only the joy of the moment and the graze of memory.”
“The Absence of Men” was a beautiful, quick read. The intimate writing makes it feel as though we know Vincent, and feel all the things he feels.
thenonbinaryc's review against another edition
4.0
main character is 16. his lover is 21 and a 45yo seems to like the 16yo too.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia
ralukas's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75