benbert's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
lisaeirene's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very unique story. It was telling the story of several different people who were on the periphery of each other's lives. It was fascinating and I loved each of the characters. I'd give it more stars if there was more of a STORY. I often felt like "what is the story here?" and then I realized it was just about these people and I let that go.
kribby's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
I cannot explain how I even found this little gem in the sea of books at Schuler Books. I just had hours to kill and immersed myself in the stacks.
And just as mysteriously, I cannot explain its grip on me. I could not put it down and the characters are still with me a week later.
And I also cannot understand other reviewers saying they skimmed through Leroy’s dream sequences. Those are the most powerful thing about this book. We see what he’s seen and experienced through them. Vlautin is using allegory and metaphor to make his point, and I do recognize that some people don’t like to read like this (and I will admit that some authors can be too esoteric with their allegory/metaphor style), but this is not that. It’s very straightforward.
Also I thought the other characters were great examples of the working poor and the disappearing middle class.
I had never heard of Vlautin before this book, but will search out his other titles
And just as mysteriously, I cannot explain its grip on me. I could not put it down and the characters are still with me a week later.
And I also cannot understand other reviewers saying they skimmed through Leroy’s dream sequences. Those are the most powerful thing about this book. We see what he’s seen and experienced through them.
Spoiler
And through them we see the real consequences of sending our children away to wars and conflict.Also I thought the other characters were great examples of the working poor and the disappearing middle class.
I had never heard of Vlautin before this book, but will search out his other titles
bettyvd's review against another edition
4.0
Boeiende vertelling die drie personen verbindt. De ploeterende mens op zijn mooist.
emelless's review against another edition
3.0
I appreciated the author's writing and the themes of the novel, but I just didn't enjoy this one. I found my mind wandering frequently and I wanted to skim through all of Leroy's dream sequences.
laura_howard's review against another edition
3.0
This book has great themes and I started off really interested in the stories of the three characters, but then my investment in them fizzled out as their stories progressed. This was disappointing because the book started out so strong.
bgg616's review against another edition
4.0
I'd give this 4 and a half stars if I could. I will hold on the review, as I don't want to spoil anyone's read.