brieahnj's review against another edition
4.0
beautifully written, Julian Gough is a brilliant storyteller.
yourslovinglyafrasd_'s review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sharonfalduto's review against another edition
Ah, now, here was a book. It had a plot, such as it was, but the most fun of the novel was reading the character's conversations and attempting to parse out what they were talking about in their wonderful, sardonic way. The plot is that it's about Juno and Juliet, identical twins, and their trials and tribulations during their first year of college at Galway (in Ireland). I tell ya, those Irish and the Brits, they know how to write a book.
sterialm's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kate_elizabeth's review against another edition
3.0
The last 20 pages are what really make this a worthwhile read.
literaryfeline's review against another edition
3.0
The voice of this book belongs to Juliet Taylor, an 18-year-old girl who begins to tell the story of her twin sister, Juno, which unavoidably becomes her own tale. The setting is Galway where the Irish girls are away for their first year of college. This is their story of coming into their own as individuals, and about family, love, betrayal, and hope. There is also a tiny bit of suspense in this book, although I hesitate to go that far. I was hooked right from the start; Julian Gough brought his characters to life through the narrative given by Juliet and through their many experiences. Although a light book in many respects, heavy topics were dealt with, including drugs, death, and love. The ending could have many interpretations and I was left unsatisfied with how it turned out, perhaps disturbed is a better word (referring to the ending of the “suspense,” not the final chapter). Overall however, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
harvio's review
5.0
- a wonderful novel of Irish flavour
- I enjoyed the protagonist's passion for learning (especially about literature), and her desire to better understand her twin sister, and to protect her, was very plausible.
- Many reviewers compared Gough's writing to that of Roddy Doyle, and I think that that is quite justified
- I would definitely read another book by Julian Gough.
- I enjoyed the protagonist's passion for learning (especially about literature), and her desire to better understand her twin sister, and to protect her, was very plausible.
- Many reviewers compared Gough's writing to that of Roddy Doyle, and I think that that is quite justified
- I would definitely read another book by Julian Gough.
sarahbowman101's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting first book. Recommended by a fellow librarian, this book is set in Galway during the main characters’ first year at college. I love smart characters. Characters who aren’t afraid to think aloud and work out problems in an intellectual as well as emotional way. I love the discussions of books, reading, authors and such. I was however a little disturbed by the climax of the book and the characters’ reaction, which seemed a little empty and callous. I would be interested in other books this author writes.