trout_lily's review against another edition
2.0
First half of the book was an intriguing read. Loved the characters and the unfolding story. Lost interest when the story moved to France and then beyond Anna. This was two books in one, the second one not interesting at all. Disappointing.
nadiaa3's review against another edition
5.0
superb and haunting writing, as always, ...and too short
kmonty's review against another edition
3.0
I agree with Erin- while everyone said this was Ondaatje's best book, I loved both Anil's Ghost and The English Patient more. And I was left wanting more with this one. Ondaatje's one of my personal favorite authors, so I was especially let down.
ellenjoannecampbell's review against another edition
4.0
Michael Ondaatje doesn't write in a straightforward manner. Multiple stories and locations criss and cross. The main themes in this story seem to be abandonment and loss. The descriptions of people, places and passions are truly lovely.
slynn's review
reflective
slow-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
3.5
jessalynn_librarian's review against another edition
3.0
While Ondaatje's style completely wins me over - it makes you slow down and really appreciate it, while seeming to be completely simple and straight-forward - the experimentation with plot failed to keep me satisfied. Perhaps on a reread it would all make sense, or maybe if I'd read more closely. Still, the shift in the narrative partway through is jarring, intentionally or not, and I missed the characters from the first part. I'd recommend it to someone who feels patient and appreciative, but not to anyone reading for story.
allisonreadsabook's review
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
readerann's review against another edition
2.0
I felt compelled to write a more detailed review of this book, because I have such mixed feelings about it. There is some beautiful writing, although several descriptive lines where I'd re-read and just say, "huh"? What does he MEAN by that? I found the first half of the book more enjoyable than the last half, and I didn't find the ending satisfying. On the inside jacket cover, it says the book is "multilayered" - probably a little too multilayered for me, hence the two (and a half) stars.
sdwood's review
Years ago I read the English Patient and came away regarding Ondaatje as a real craftsman with language. If memory serves, that story was also very engaging and complex with good character development. So I looked forward to Divisadero, but it was a very different experience.
In the end, I still think Ondaatje is an interesting writer, but I didn't appreciate so much his approach to Divisadero. For one thing, this book felt less like a novel and more like a thematic series of short stories about lonely human existence whose characters were woven together with very loose threads. I enjoyed the storytelling, but it's jarring when a storyline is abandoned and the characters you've just invested in are nowhere to be found.
It also didn't help that the story began very near my home in Northern California. It's really hard for me to believe that Ondaatje really spent much time here. The geographical references didn't fit together well. Someone who lives near Nicasio wouldn't frequent Glen Ellen. They are hardly neighboring towns. And in Northern California, we don't have sleet storms where people have to lash themselves to buildings for fear of being swept away. Just doesn't happen. Sleet? What's that? Maybe I'm picking a nit here, but it was really distracting.
** SPOILER ALERT **
As I read more of this book I realized that I hadn't really become attached to any of the characters. Perhaps because they were always disappearing. Or perhaps they just didn't warrant attachment. The exception was Marie-Neige: strong of character but very likeable. And finally there was some real tension between characters (Lucien and Marie-Neige). Their story is the most engaging one.
But then the ending is odd. Is Ondaatje trying to evoke the tragic drama of The English Patient? Set a woman in cold, dark, isolated surrounds and let her die a lonely death (real or imagined). It all felt very contrived. I remember closing the book and asking out loud, "What's up with that?"
So I'd give this a book a thumbs down... Even though his narrator is poetic (albeit geographically challenged), the structure of the story made the reading less enjoyable. Maybe I just don't "get" Ondaatje. Perhaps reading "Running in the Family" would shed some light on this rather enigmatic writer.
In the end, I still think Ondaatje is an interesting writer, but I didn't appreciate so much his approach to Divisadero. For one thing, this book felt less like a novel and more like a thematic series of short stories about lonely human existence whose characters were woven together with very loose threads. I enjoyed the storytelling, but it's jarring when a storyline is abandoned and the characters you've just invested in are nowhere to be found.
It also didn't help that the story began very near my home in Northern California. It's really hard for me to believe that Ondaatje really spent much time here. The geographical references didn't fit together well. Someone who lives near Nicasio wouldn't frequent Glen Ellen. They are hardly neighboring towns. And in Northern California, we don't have sleet storms where people have to lash themselves to buildings for fear of being swept away. Just doesn't happen. Sleet? What's that? Maybe I'm picking a nit here, but it was really distracting.
** SPOILER ALERT **
As I read more of this book I realized that I hadn't really become attached to any of the characters. Perhaps because they were always disappearing. Or perhaps they just didn't warrant attachment. The exception was Marie-Neige: strong of character but very likeable. And finally there was some real tension between characters (Lucien and Marie-Neige). Their story is the most engaging one.
But then the ending is odd. Is Ondaatje trying to evoke the tragic drama of The English Patient? Set a woman in cold, dark, isolated surrounds and let her die a lonely death (real or imagined). It all felt very contrived. I remember closing the book and asking out loud, "What's up with that?"
So I'd give this a book a thumbs down... Even though his narrator is poetic (albeit geographically challenged), the structure of the story made the reading less enjoyable. Maybe I just don't "get" Ondaatje. Perhaps reading "Running in the Family" would shed some light on this rather enigmatic writer.