Reviews

I suppose it wouldn't truly be summer if I didn't read at least a little bit of Irving.

This book struck me in much the same way that the main character seems to strike everyone he meets, which is to say predictably and not all that interestingly. I didn't hate it, but the book seemed to wander, lost without much of a plot or goal in mind. Irving does manage to do some fun things with time though. And as always there were the favorite themes: Vienna and wrestling and prostitutes and New Hampshire, so I do not consider it wholly a bust.

blaewen's review against another edition

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challenging reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

rebeccarennerfl's review against another edition

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3.0

While definitely not his best, I can see a clear improvement from his first novel, Setting Free the Bears. Nonetheless, there's a huge leap from here to Garp, Hotel New Hampshire, or Owen Meany.

mg_libros's review against another edition

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4.0

Me ha gustado mucho. Me fascina la capacidad de los personajes de Irving para autosabotearse y que, a pesar de todo, sepas que al final todo va a ir bien.

bill1955's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.75

mikkot's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

bibliofowl's review against another edition

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5.0

Love the ending to this book. Made me smile immensely.

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