Reviews

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

cpabiker's review against another edition

3.0

I almost gave up on this several times; now I wish I had. What a disappointing ending.

jplatko87's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

heididilley's review against another edition

3.0

Overall, I liked this novel. I would not put it on my favorites list, nor would I strongly recommend it to anyone, but it was a nice set of interwoven stories and worth a read if you haven't anything else waiting on your nightstand. I think the publisher's description "hauntingly beautiful" is stretching it a bit.

I would recommend her husband's (jonathan safran foer) stories if you are looking for more 3 dimensional, interesting characters and similar (but more skilled) writing style.

fullswell96's review against another edition

5.0

It remided me of "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close", but better.

bookwhore37's review against another edition

5.0

A heartwarming tale that reminds all of us just how interconnected our lives really are.

chloedillon's review against another edition

4.0

Despite an early rejection of this book due to the trendiness of the author about 7 years ago, I had to admit that this was a really enjoyable book for me. I really found the voices of the characters to ring true. I thought the end was actually pretty well done for the different threads going on. Most of all, it was funny and touching, and a pretty easy read. What more do you want.

suzierschmidt's review against another edition

4.0

Beautifully written. I noted almost 1/4 of the book for safe keeping. I got a bit lost in the multiple storylines and needed to visit a Wikipedia listing to keep the various characters straight.

pasc96's review against another edition

5.0

"I don't know what to say about it, except that it moved me in a way one hopes to be moved each time he begins a book." So says one of the characters early on in this stunner of a novel. I tried to read "The History of Love" slowly, but to no avail; I was quickly sucked in to the lives of Leo, Alma, Zvi, Rosa, Charlotte, David, Bird, Isaac, and Bruno, and I tore through the book, when really I should have savored it. About 20 pages before the end, the tears started. Throughout the day I finished it, all I had to do was think of the final scene and they'd start again. I simply can't believe these characters aren't real people. Krauss shows you their personalities, hopes, dreams, loves, and losses so completely that I felt like I was eavesdropping on their lives. Oh, and the writing itself is beautiful, too. Just a masterwork of fiction.

bobonnie's review against another edition

5.0

Love, love, love this book. The author's ability to put thoughts and feelings into words are nothing short of amazing to me. Thanks for recommending it, Marvel!

rlwertheimer's review against another edition

5.0

Completely loved this book. Incredibly beautiful writing, compelling story, detailed characters. Loved!