leasummer's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars but not enough to round to 4 (which doesn't totally make sense I know). I really enjoyed this book from about the mid point on. I'm a fan of Brooks' writing and have read all her previous books. I liked Bethia's pov and the language is fascinating but not much was happening. Once Anne came to the school I was sucked in and finished in that sitting.
The historical context seems legit, I appreciated the limited actual historical information at the end. Brooks' writing and the way she can paint a scene with her words is what kept me in this book. It's a beautiful story.
The historical context seems legit, I appreciated the limited actual historical information at the end. Brooks' writing and the way she can paint a scene with her words is what kept me in this book. It's a beautiful story.
mary_juleyre's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
amberw27's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The title should refer to Bethia, the narrator. Spent most of the book very annoyed about that, but still very much enjoyed it. Fascinating
keruichun212's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked it all up until the epilogue. The title signifies that the book is about a Native American boy who ends up graduating from Harvard. However, the stiory is actually about a girl the same age as Caleb and her interactions with him, her family, and the various people she meets. With that said, Brooks ended up skipping over some of the most important parts of her life. It just didn't exactly make sense to me. I cared more for the girl than Caleb, but the end was all about him. Other than the last 50 pages or so, though, I really did enjoy the book.
moonshade's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The book is well-written, but I hated reading it. I hated most of the men most of the time. Nothing seemed to matter or to be to any purpose.
I didn't care about the main character falling in love or being happily married. This book just felt dry and unimportant.
I didn't care about the main character falling in love or being happily married. This book just felt dry and unimportant.
hlogan's review against another edition
4.0
Geraldine Brooks can do no wrong, in my eyes. She writes on such diverse subjects, but always leaves me in awe of her meticulous research, vivid portrayal of different people and different times, and compassionate storytelling. This is yet another great work. I will continue to anxiously await her next novel or piece of non-fiction.
brettec's review against another edition
2.0
The book and the writing itself wasn't terrible and I understand why the author made the choices she did, but I feel that there are better books written about these events that are from the perspective of actual Native Americans and not seen through a white woman's eyes (both in authorship and narration)
thereadinghouse22laura's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
earlyandalone's review against another edition
3.0
I just didn't have the patience for this right now. It's a good story, but so far, so slow. I might pick it up again someday....but life's too short.
rwidiani's review against another edition
3.0
The first book for bookclub this year. I love reading books about Native Americans. There’s something mystical but also sad about them. I find this book interesting, despite the unusual (old) English words used. That’s the only reason I don’t give it 4 stars. The story grew in me. It’s a little bit a pity that the title should be more dedicated to Bethia. I can understand the reason behind it. It’s a book based on a real person: Caleb.