kandicez's review against another edition
5.0
Saw this movie last night, (again) and remembered how much the book moved me. His writing is so real. His characters could be my neighbors growing up, people I know now, people I would like to know... familiar in some way that makes my heart bleed for them.
onejordo's review against another edition
I didn't like Aurora. I keep not picking this book back up. It's a slow one. I wouldn't rule it out in the future but I'm not super interested right now.
bschuze's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
smiley938's review against another edition
4.0
Updated review in 2023:
I had to give this book another try because Larry McMurty wrote it. I first attempted to read this book pre-Lonesome Dove and I guess I just didn't understand McMurty's style. I took the first half of the book way too literally. When I read it this time, I realized the characters are supposed to be caricatures and ridiculous. After realizing that, the book was a lot more enjoyable. But the strongest part of this book is definitely the last chapter. Surprisingly moving passages for a character I had little attachment to. I wonder how the last chapter would have read to me if I wasn't already expecting the ending. Bit strange that McMurty tells us the ending in the preface.
Original review in 2018 (?):
Aurora is a HORRIBLE, unlikeable woman. I especially disliked this book because in the preface, Larry McMurtry described Emma as the 'perfect woman.' It turns out, the 'perfect woman' is a sad, docile, physically and emotionally abused woman. Did not make me want to continue reading. I stopped at page ~200.
I had to give this book another try because Larry McMurty wrote it. I first attempted to read this book pre-Lonesome Dove and I guess I just didn't understand McMurty's style. I took the first half of the book way too literally. When I read it this time, I realized the characters are supposed to be caricatures and ridiculous. After realizing that, the book was a lot more enjoyable. But the strongest part of this book is definitely the last chapter. Surprisingly moving passages for a character I had little attachment to. I wonder how the last chapter would have read to me if I wasn't already expecting the ending. Bit strange that McMurty tells us the ending in the preface.
Original review in 2018 (?):
Aurora is a HORRIBLE, unlikeable woman. I especially disliked this book because in the preface, Larry McMurtry described Emma as the 'perfect woman.' It turns out, the 'perfect woman' is a sad, docile, physically and emotionally abused woman. Did not make me want to continue reading. I stopped at page ~200.
titobaker's review
3.0
dragged a bit, but me likey
Dragged at times, but I cried at the end which I’ve only done once before (American Pastoral). I love McMurtry.
I'd give at least one "me likey".
Dragged at times, but I cried at the end which I’ve only done once before (American Pastoral). I love McMurtry.
I'd give at least one "me likey".
eliraasholm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5