chuxsox's review against another edition
1.0
This book is suitable for keeping your door from closing or keeping your stack of papers from blowing away. How could an author write this without slashing his/her wrists? It's as if Ms. Clarke was dared to write as many words as possible without making them interesting. Okay - I think I made my point.
julianvedeler's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
alyjones's review against another edition
4.0
Book’s prose & writing: 4 stars
My enjoyment of the book: 3.5
This was one of the longest things I’ve read since I was in school. It was so meandering and frustrating because it would pique my interest for a chapter, and then leave me bored again. So many side plots and foot notes. The story picked up a lot in the last third and it was, after all that time, nice to see it get there. All the slow details came together and that is always my favorite part of thick books like this. But god damn. I don’t know if I retained more than half of what I read.
Clarke’s writing is great so I refuse to rate it under 4 stars due to my own inability to focus ~
My enjoyment of the book: 3.5
This was one of the longest things I’ve read since I was in school. It was so meandering and frustrating because it would pique my interest for a chapter, and then leave me bored again. So many side plots and foot notes. The story picked up a lot in the last third and it was, after all that time, nice to see it get there. All the slow details came together and that is always my favorite part of thick books like this. But god damn. I don’t know if I retained more than half of what I read.
Clarke’s writing is great so I refuse to rate it under 4 stars due to my own inability to focus ~
mgunn78's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
courtsport3000's review against another edition
3.0
I want to read this again sometime in the future. I really wanted to like it much more, but I think this just wasn’t the best time for me to really appreciate it. The characterization and sense of place are both very strong and there were times when the plot really took me away, but I think the combination of length and formal language got in my way of really absorbing everything, which led to much confusion at times. I look forward to revisiting this one when I can give it more attention and really let it work its magic.
themshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
squiddish's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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
4.0
gregoryarthur's review against another edition
Ran out of time, will get it back from the library
cajunliterarybelle's review against another edition
I listened to the first couple hours of this audiobook, and something about the londwinded writing and the slow pace of action is simply not working for me. Maybe I'll try it again sometime in the future.
teaselkie's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75