Reviews

Cassandra at the Wedding by Dorothy Baker

kennedyfio_'s review

dark emotional funny fast-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

4.5

lmrising's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective medium-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? Yes

4.0

anawest's review against another edition

dark funny tense medium-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

3.5

lilliee's review against another edition

challenging dark tense slow-paced

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

1.5

weevil's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

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

gurofl's review against another edition

dark reflective

• 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

katiemw's review against another edition

dark emotional funny sad medium-paced

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

4.0

cariadreads's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-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

4.0

alisonburnis's review against another edition

dark emotional funny mysterious tense 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

I’ve been wanting to read this novel for a while, so I was delighted to find a first edition hardcover at work when I did a quick search for it. It’s sharp, funny, and a little odd in that mid-twentieth century kind of way - the characters are too sharp and witty, it’s a bit unreal. But makes for very excellent reading. 

Cassandra Edward finishes her work early to head home to the Californian ranch she grew up on, for her twin sister, Judith’s wedding. Judith left Cassandra at Berkeley nine months ago and Cassandra hasn’t figured out how to live without her, so when Judith says she’s getting married, Cassandra is only semi-consciously bound to ruin it. What transpires is a chaotic weekend at home, with their drunk philosopher father, their nosy granny, and the memory of their dead mother, as Cassandra and Judith face off, one determined to be together forever and the other begging her to realize they’re separate people. 

Tragically funny, and filled with a cast of peculiar characters, this was as delightful as I’ve been imagining it. Even with the darker elements - Cassandra takes a bunch of sleeping pills and has to be revived - it’s still a satirical family portrait and an exploration of the relationship between sisters who were always stuck together. It’s a true classic. 

rquinn80's review against another edition

5.0

i really loved this book, like i just thought it was a great story. i thought her doctor was also her lover but maybe not totally? not sure! good story.