jayden_mccomiskie's review against another edition
5.0
Very early on, this had Iain Banks 'Espedair Street' vibes. A band full of people with big baggage, make it big, big mistakes. But then, like Salt Bae, Mitchell's mythology is weaved into this trippy adventure. I expected nothing less and got more. Loved it.
ktxx22's review against another edition
2.0
DNF at 53% because ugh I can’t be bothered. Parts of this I was really enjoying but the majority of it I was not a fan of. And I found myself looking for anything to do other than read… that’s usually my sign the book is a flop for me. 2 stars because the parts I enjoyed were shining.
jonwesleyhuff's review against another edition
4.0
Mitchell wrote Cloud Atlas, one of my favorite books, and has been reliably entertaining in all the books I've read of his since, even if some land for me better than others. Utopia Avenue landed for me. I had a lot of fun with it. Do some of the cameos by famous figures at the time come off a little silly? Sure. Partly because someone invariably says "You're bloody [Insert Famous Person's Full Name]!" But, is this a bad thing? No. I think Mitchell is having fun here, and I went along for the ride with him. Things take a turn toward the familiar (for Mitchell fans) in one section. But I found that intriguing and delightful. Your mileage may vary.
Writing about music can be hard, especially when you're trying to describe sounds and performances. I thought Mitchell did fantastic work conjuring up the mental tunes. Non-songwriters writing lyrics can be hard, too. Devoid of context, even the best lyrics can read like bad poetry. But I thought Mitchell walked a fine here and delivered. To the extent that I wished someone had recorded an album companion to the book.
Writing about music can be hard, especially when you're trying to describe sounds and performances. I thought Mitchell did fantastic work conjuring up the mental tunes. Non-songwriters writing lyrics can be hard, too. Devoid of context, even the best lyrics can read like bad poetry. But I thought Mitchell walked a fine here and delivered. To the extent that I wished someone had recorded an album companion to the book.
bbboeken's review against another edition
4.0
***1/2
While I really did like the book, the cameo parts really felt contrived and halted the natural flow of the story. I kept wondering about how true the behaviour and the conversations of the ‘real’ musicians were, and that somehow took away my enjoyment of the main story. I am convinced that the story could have done without the interactions with the ‘real’ musicians. I was all the more displeased because the actual story and the portrayal of Utopia Avenue itself would have been strong enough to carry the book.
While I really did like the book, the cameo parts really felt contrived and halted the natural flow of the story. I kept wondering about how true the behaviour and the conversations of the ‘real’ musicians were, and that somehow took away my enjoyment of the main story. I am convinced that the story could have done without the interactions with the ‘real’ musicians. I was all the more displeased because the actual story and the portrayal of Utopia Avenue itself would have been strong enough to carry the book.
ichirofakename's review against another edition
5.0
This is a good book, even without the modernistical ticks of his more important early stuff. A straightforward story, set in 1967, of budding young musicians pursuing success, until page 438 when some magical realism seeps in, briefly. Very strong characters, excessive period detail, guest appearances by the likes of Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia, convincing, and fun. Older rockers who read should read it.
natashasorrell's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely amazing, loved every minute of reading it and the interwoven links and connections to characters and events from Mitchell's other books was exquisite. Loved it!!
kxbski's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Needed a slow start, but now I’m sad it’s over.
hsr731's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0