dcmr's review against another edition
1.0
Tedious. Gave it 50 pages before I gave up.
But I recently read her newest book, "Astonish Me" and loved it.
But I recently read her newest book, "Astonish Me" and loved it.
mhoffrob's review against another edition
3.0
While I enjoyed this book's throw back to my preppy upbringing and East Coast roots, I found it a little depressing. How little things change, I suppose.
The main character, Winn Van Meter, reminded me of Rabbit (from John Updike's Rabbit, Run, Rabit Redux; and Rabbit is Rich)for reasons I quite can't put my finger on - probably because of the similar introspective narrative and self-importance. Overall, the character development was the best part of this novel. Even some of the more mino participants were quite three dimensional and well formed.
The main character, Winn Van Meter, reminded me of Rabbit (from John Updike's Rabbit, Run, Rabit Redux; and Rabbit is Rich)for reasons I quite can't put my finger on - probably because of the similar introspective narrative and self-importance. Overall, the character development was the best part of this novel. Even some of the more mino participants were quite three dimensional and well formed.
lisa_berrones's review against another edition
2.0
Somewhat entertaining book about rich white people doing things rich white people are supposed to want to do. not the worst thing I've read this year but nowhere near good.
mjdudley7's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
cfofo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-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
readhikerepeat's review against another edition
4.0
From The Book Wheel:
A social satire, Seating Arrangements is a wonderful debut novel by Maggie Shipstead about the Van Meter family, who comes together for the wedding of their pregnant daughter to another socialite from the Duff clan. With clandestine affairs, falls from grace, and secrets abound, the weekend unfolds in the most unlikely of ways.
Taking place on the exclusive New England island of Waskeke, no character is left untouched. With the exception of the bride and groom, who defied the proper order of things by becoming pregnant before the wedding (and having the audacity to get married with her belly bulging), the family is pitifully hilarious.
For the full review, click here.
A social satire, Seating Arrangements is a wonderful debut novel by Maggie Shipstead about the Van Meter family, who comes together for the wedding of their pregnant daughter to another socialite from the Duff clan. With clandestine affairs, falls from grace, and secrets abound, the weekend unfolds in the most unlikely of ways.
Taking place on the exclusive New England island of Waskeke, no character is left untouched. With the exception of the bride and groom, who defied the proper order of things by becoming pregnant before the wedding (and having the audacity to get married with her belly bulging), the family is pitifully hilarious.
For the full review, click here.
maryknight's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
jessie_lewis's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sjmaxa's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this book but the characters were so unlikable, self-centered and uninteresting.
cncoltre's review against another edition
2.0
Not really what I thought it would be after reading the description. Did not like it.