Reviews

Second Place by Rachel Cusk

snobbig_assilem's review against another edition

challenging reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

mdarceyhall's review against another edition

3.0

This book includes beautiful and philosophical lines about life and art and women's place in the world, but you have to dig to find them in the densely-packed earth that is the narration. As the narration is largely a reflection of what happens as the narrator retells it to the mysterious Jeffers character (and therefore heavily dependent on internal dialogue and philosophical debates), form takes precedence over function. Books like these require a second reading to really appreciate, but I'm not sure if it drew me in enough to encourage me to dive in again.

irisdiane's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

3.25

maniachesser's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-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

4.25

greenglass's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

hsuahnnee's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book is a compelling exploration of human relationships, art, and self-discovery. The novel centers around a woman named M who invites a renowned artist, L, to stay at her remote coastal home, hoping his presence will bring clarity and meaning to her life. What unfolds is a tense and introspective narrative that delves into the complexities of human nature and the often fraught dynamics between men and women.

Cusk’s prose is both brilliant and piercing, offering deep insights into the characters’ inner lives. The setting, described with evocative detail, adds a layer of almost fairy-tale-like beauty and isolation, enhancing the novel’s introspective tone. The interactions between M, L, and the other characters are charged with emotional and philosophical tension, making the reader ponder the nature of art, truth, and personal fulfillment.

One of the novel’s strengths is its ability to make the mundane endlessly intriguing. Cusk’s narrative style, while maintaining a tight dramatic arc, allows for rich, reflective passages that invite readers to engage deeply with the text. The story’s conclusion, though abrupt, leaves a lasting impact, encapsulating the novel’s themes of reconciliation and the elusive nature of understanding oneself and others.

Overall, Second Place is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that will appeal to readers who appreciate literary fiction with a strong philosophical bent. Cusk’s ability to weave complex characters and profound themes into a cohesive and engaging narrative makes this book a standout in contemporary literature.

kgierz's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

3.5

ruminating_blayne's review against another edition

2.0

Pretentious, plotless, seemingly purposeless exploration of the psyche of a privileged middle-aged woman interacting with a formerly privileged but still a prick painter made for a boring read with a few glimmers of humor and intrigue.

amourlacey's review against another edition

3.0

I want to re-read the physical copy but I liked it. It was written beautifully and so well that at times I felt like I was reading the narrator's diary or even in the narrator's head. I just found it fascinating overall despite just being the rambles of a mid-aged woman.

sammarch's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

2.5