whitmc's review against another edition
2.0
DNF
I made it 2/3 of the way through and finally called it quits. I stuck with it because Crosley's writing is good and she is skilled at introducing wry observations about human nature that I laugh out loud at. But at the end of the day, I didn't like any of the characters (Victor: blandly depressed, Nathanial: generically egotistical, Kesia: whiny) and I got to the point where I didn't care if any redeemed themselves. Plus, the storyline was uninteresting. I was sticking it out for the writing only, which I can get elsewhere along with a good plot.
I made it 2/3 of the way through and finally called it quits. I stuck with it because Crosley's writing is good and she is skilled at introducing wry observations about human nature that I laugh out loud at. But at the end of the day, I didn't like any of the characters (Victor: blandly depressed, Nathanial: generically egotistical, Kesia: whiny) and I got to the point where I didn't care if any redeemed themselves. Plus, the storyline was uninteresting. I was sticking it out for the writing only, which I can get elsewhere along with a good plot.
rebbemcc's review against another edition
3.0
Liked the writing, disliked the characters, but very much enjoyed the observations they made. Thin premise, but carried me along for the first two-thirds pretty nicely.
nglofile's review against another edition
Literally months after starting and repeated attempts to give it yet another go, I need to admit that finishing this isn't going to happen. As an early fan of Crosley's essays, I was excited to have access to an advanced reading copy, but this first novel has none of the wit, sharp observations, or lightness that I so admired in her other works. Am setting myself free.
geoffry's review against another edition
3.0
Luchtig verhaal dat geregeld meer op een Guy de Maupassant-biografie lijkt dan iets anders.
grassynowell's review against another edition
I made it over half-way through when I remembered that Nancy Pearl, librarian super-hero, said I didn't have to finish books I didn't like.
I found all of the characters completely unlikable. From the description I was expecting a fast paced adventure of old college friends searching for a necklace. I wasn't warned that I would have to go through chapters upon chapters of happenings of these mind-maddening characters before any such adventure happened. I assume eventually they do go on an adventure in Paris, but after 215 pages of a 370 page books, I'm not willing to stick around to find out.
I found all of the characters completely unlikable. From the description I was expecting a fast paced adventure of old college friends searching for a necklace. I wasn't warned that I would have to go through chapters upon chapters of happenings of these mind-maddening characters before any such adventure happened. I assume eventually they do go on an adventure in Paris, but after 215 pages of a 370 page books, I'm not willing to stick around to find out.
literatehedgehog's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty good, pretty good. Sometimes a little too "friends' lives have diverged in unexpected ways after college" trope for me, but often more "it's fine that it's not going to be what you expected" and "get over yourself already" that it works. Sure, I don't want to actually be friends with or even really know these characters, but I enjoyed their banter and their tensions while they were on the page.
Overall, enjoyed about as equally as her essays, which was more than I expected. I will most likely read whatever she comes out with next, either way.
Overall, enjoyed about as equally as her essays, which was more than I expected. I will most likely read whatever she comes out with next, either way.
shaeloef's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
kricketa's review against another edition
4.0
I love Sloane Crosley's writing so very much, and she never fails to make me laugh. The characters in this story are somehow horrible and lovable at the same time, and nothing happened the way I expected it to. Excellent.
mhoechsmann's review against another edition
3.0
It had potential but some plot lines seemed a bit rushed or not fully flushed out to me. I didn't love how the book ended, there wasn't enough resolution with multiple characters' development.