thecaptain's review
3.0
After waiting so long, I expected more from one of my favourite authors. The writing is still everything you've come to expect from Zusak, but the content and events dragged. I found myself a little less interested in Clay and more interested in his brothers, especially the scrappy one (probably residual effects from my love for a certain Jewish fistfighter). For something toted as being about a bridge, there was little bridge action too.
jenna_cross's review
3.0
This is a beautiful story that I could have connected with so much more if it hadn’t been written in such a disjointed manner. I’ve seen it compared to a patchwork quilt which is a lovely vision but didn’t work for me.
knit3314's review
5.0
If I could give this novel and author 10 stars I would.
I listened the author narrating the Audible version. His authentic Australian dialect/accent made a huge impact on the vernacular of each phrase, exclamation and cultural reference. I believe it’s important to how well the book will be received.
However, when the I reached the end I immediately started over from the beginning and realized I also need this book in print form. And a second reading will be like reading another more fleshed out details because the author immerses the reader into the world of Dunbars. So many subtle details and transitions from small chapter to chapter and past to present as the author helps the reader uncover/discover more and more about the main story/plot. I felt for these characters and what had happened and what might happen as I went deeper and deeper into the novel.
I’ve loved ever novel by Markus Zusak and I think this is a masterpiece. I am going to finish my second read and may update this review.
Highly recommend this novel if you like excellent story telling.
I listened the author narrating the Audible version. His authentic Australian dialect/accent made a huge impact on the vernacular of each phrase, exclamation and cultural reference. I believe it’s important to how well the book will be received.
However, when the I reached the end I immediately started over from the beginning and realized I also need this book in print form. And a second reading will be like reading another more fleshed out details because the author immerses the reader into the world of Dunbars. So many subtle details and transitions from small chapter to chapter and past to present as the author helps the reader uncover/discover more and more about the main story/plot. I felt for these characters and what had happened and what might happen as I went deeper and deeper into the novel.
I’ve loved ever novel by Markus Zusak and I think this is a masterpiece. I am going to finish my second read and may update this review.
Highly recommend this novel if you like excellent story telling.
holljoll's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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? No
3.75
jazzgregory's review against another edition
5.0
I went into this book fully anticipating to DNF. I have heard how complicated and hard to read the language is but still felt that I owed it to Markus Zusak to give this a go. And I am so glad I did. It is tragic and beautiful but heartbreaking in the best way, as I felt mended by the end not broken. The Dunbar boys pain at first is annoying and seemingly unexplained but throughout the book layers are given to the characters explaining all their actions. I really love when you are inside these characters heads so much that you understand why the act the way they do and it makes them these complete people who step outside of merely a 'character' in your head. I felt such an attachment to the narrator and Zusaks writing seemingly returns to his signature self after 50-80 pages and I just couldn't stop devouring this book until the last page where I broke out crying in a weird joyous fulfilled relief. Loved.
caitlin1599's review
4.0
I cried and laughed along to the story of the Dunbar boys. One of the most heart wrenching stories I've read in a while. Did take me a bit of time to get in to and there were things I felt could have been cut out but nevertheless I loved it. Feel like I should choose a favourite Dunbar brother so I'm going to go with Rory for his sheer humour he brought to the story.
ajsterkel's review against another edition
2.0
I did it! I finished Bridge of Clay! It took so long!
Markus Zusak is one of my favorite authors, but I didn’t love this book. I should have listened to my instincts and put it down when I started getting bored. But, I wanted to love it so badly! It’s very long, very slow, and lacking suspense because the beginning of the book tells you most of what’s going to happen.
The author has a unique writing style. It’s poetic. I occasionally got frustrated with the writing, though. I just wanted to know what was happening and why I should care so we could move on to something more interesting!
I did love the premise and setting of the story. It’s about five brothers who live together in the “racing district” of a town in Australia. The town is vivid and well-developed. The story is about what happens when the brothers’ criminal father returns to their home.
Do you like opinions, giveaways, and bookish nonsense?
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Markus Zusak is one of my favorite authors, but I didn’t love this book. I should have listened to my instincts and put it down when I started getting bored. But, I wanted to love it so badly! It’s very long, very slow, and lacking suspense because the beginning of the book tells you most of what’s going to happen.
The author has a unique writing style. It’s poetic. I occasionally got frustrated with the writing, though. I just wanted to know what was happening and why I should care so we could move on to something more interesting!
I did love the premise and setting of the story. It’s about five brothers who live together in the “racing district” of a town in Australia. The town is vivid and well-developed. The story is about what happens when the brothers’ criminal father returns to their home.
Do you like opinions, giveaways, and bookish nonsense?
I have a blog for that.
wordsareweapons's review against another edition
5.0
I just do not have the words, or writing skills really, to explain how much I loved this book. I was immediately hooked. The writing was absolutely gorgeous, which I pretty much have come to expect from him, and I actually liked the way the story flowed. It definitely wasn't linear, but really when telling someone a life story it never really ends up that way.
I loved all the Dunbar boys, and while it focuses on Clay, they all had a distinct voice and personality. You still got a good feel for the other brothers even though they weren't the main voice of the story. What I loved most though was the way this book examined families, and how they grow and change, and love. The way everyone's experiences influence things far down through generations. It's also about the stories we tell to keep those people and that love alive. I don't know, I just found the whole thing to be moving and beautiful, and heart-string tugging.
I loved all the Dunbar boys, and while it focuses on Clay, they all had a distinct voice and personality. You still got a good feel for the other brothers even though they weren't the main voice of the story. What I loved most though was the way this book examined families, and how they grow and change, and love. The way everyone's experiences influence things far down through generations. It's also about the stories we tell to keep those people and that love alive. I don't know, I just found the whole thing to be moving and beautiful, and heart-string tugging.
ssatrawada's review
2.0
This had the potential to be really good, but for some reason I really struggled to finish it. Ended up skimming through the last few chapters. I was really surprised I didn't like this since I loved The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
kayles's review against another edition
On hold for now, not grabbing me at all. Might come back to it ...