whitmc's review against another edition
5.0
Anthony Marra is a rare and wonderful writer who makes me feel like I knew his characters in another lifetime.
It took me nearly two weeks to write a review for this book because I can't begin to do it justice. But read it. First though, start with Constellation of Vital Phenomena, Marra's first book and one of my favorite books of all time. Tsar is not by any means a follow-on the Constellation, but there are subtle connections between the two books that any reader would really appreciate. It felt more like there was an inside joke subtly being referenced, which was really neat.
Tsar is presented as a book of short stories, but it reads like one book. The stories are connected and as you continue, the connections unfold piece by piece. Some subtle, some spelled out. It's beautiful.
The stories themselves are both tragic and funny, which really is life. Tragic circumstances, but people being people nonetheless amidst it all.
Read it. Don't much more of your life go by without reading it.
It took me nearly two weeks to write a review for this book because I can't begin to do it justice. But read it. First though, start with Constellation of Vital Phenomena, Marra's first book and one of my favorite books of all time. Tsar is not by any means a follow-on the Constellation, but there are subtle connections between the two books that any reader would really appreciate. It felt more like there was an inside joke subtly being referenced, which was really neat.
Tsar is presented as a book of short stories, but it reads like one book. The stories are connected and as you continue, the connections unfold piece by piece. Some subtle, some spelled out. It's beautiful.
The stories themselves are both tragic and funny, which really is life. Tragic circumstances, but people being people nonetheless amidst it all.
Read it. Don't much more of your life go by without reading it.
kyndrawr's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
readingqueen83's review against another edition
5.0
Wow!!!!! Brilliant!!! Loved reading this book!!!
sophie883's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
gluegunner's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
this is the greatest book ive ever read . see you space kolya.......
lisa15's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
anluu's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
relyen's review against another edition
5.0
ugh this was so good. too many good lines to quote, but one that stuck with me: "As she turns from you, tucking the sheets beneath her hip, you nearly forget to ask yourself, 'What monster have I become today?'" this was the first book in a really long time that pulled me in and held me the entire time. gorgeous descriptions of normal people living first under Soviet communism, and then under the modern regime of Russia today.
naomimetz96's review against another edition
5.0
After reading both of his novels in a short amount of time I have to say, Anthony Marra is one of the best writers I've had the pleasure of reading. His writing is so poetic and beautiful and never fails to bring me to tears.
Although technically a collection of short stories this definitely felt like a typical novel to me, all characters were very connected. I would HIGHLY suggest this to everyone. Crossing my fingers that he will release something else soon because I need more!!!
Although technically a collection of short stories this definitely felt like a typical novel to me, all characters were very connected. I would HIGHLY suggest this to everyone. Crossing my fingers that he will release something else soon because I need more!!!