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jordanengelke's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mangolang's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
2.75
Neat introspective to relationships. It had the goals and themes of a self-help book on relationshipping, but with the execution of a simple story of a couple through the years. It spliced both narrative and self-help inserts, which did seem revealing and slightly thought-provoking on how we as humans can analyze love to best cope with it. Overall fair, it’s just that the story was simple and relatively cliche, so it could not score that highly in my book without a spark of surprise.
mcleary's review against another edition
4.0
More a case study than a novel, replete with de Botton’s practical wisdom. Both a reflection on the concept of marriage as an institution as well as what it actually means to be married on a daily basis. I found his insights, even those that superficially seem quite depressing, both interesting and of true practical value. Would do no harm for couples at any stage of their relationship to read this.
sarcastic_fish's review against another edition
3.0
There is a lot I don’t like and don’t agree with, especially regarding where he seems to think modern marriage fits in its history as an institution. That was driving me slightly mad. While I didn’t like everything he said it was still interesting to have a different approach to relationships. Whether you agree or not I think it helped me see where I stand on a lot of things. I valued most what he has to say about older relationships rather than falling in love etc. Do I think love is a skill.... no. Are long term commitments relationships? Absolutely.
kcjulia's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I started off really enjoying this book and got annoyed later on. I was hoping to see more character depth for Kristen and a more timely resolution of their marital problems. Too forgiving of Rabih’s actions.
aaishasair's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
charr_alexx's review against another edition
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? Yes
2.5
I was intrigued by this book. I wanted to finish it, wanted to know what happened for this couple, but I really struggled to pick it up time and time again. The characters are complex but distinctly unlikeable which I always find challenging in a book. Bit of a slog.
deschatjes's review against another edition
3.0
Ultimately unsatisfying as it ends abruptly in the midstream of married life while the children are in their early teens before the turmoil of puberty & the hormones of menopause. No word on the period of empty nesting or the love of becoming grandparents- so yes much of interest and recognition but not enough.