hartd's review
4.0
I liked this one! It's more litfic than sci-fi, but that's okay. I see reviews going into detail about the plot, so I won't do that.
I'm still thinking about the Jemisin story in this collection, and these two work really well together. If we decide there is an ideal life, whose ideals are we upholding? Both stories raise that question, but this one is much subtler. I could probably write a lot about it and it isn't very long. I'll just talk about one thing.
It's a really interesting story. I have been meaning to read this author's novels, so maybe I'll do that soon.
I'm still thinking about the Jemisin story in this collection, and these two work really well together. If we decide there is an ideal life, whose ideals are we upholding? Both stories raise that question, but this one is much subtler. I could probably write a lot about it and it isn't very long. I'll just talk about one thing.
Spoiler
I noticed that all the Daniels had to figure everything out for themselves, with no family support post-college, while the bartender's (unfinished) story ends with his family helping the daughter with whatever she's going through. Sam, in contrast, because of having to help his own father, seems to have rejected the whole concept of being there for his family; he doesn't even know why his wife chose Daniel 2 as one of the options.It's a really interesting story. I have been meaning to read this author's novels, so maybe I'll do that soon.
vallevia's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I absolutely love Amor Towles' writing. The way he tells stories is just so captivating and familiar. His characters feel like people I know and I get so emotionally invested. My issue with this short story is simply that it was too short. I needed more. More context, more resolution, more time with each character. It left me feeling so intrigued, like I've only just read the setup to a bigger story (which is maybe the point). I just want more.
anagha_books's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-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
1.0
sklewi's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
jessi_hines's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
laura_h_77's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this very much, although others in the series were more interesting. It was set not too far in the future which meant it didn’t have quite the same impact. However it was certainly believable and an interesting read.
seasonedreadings's review against another edition
4.0
This was engaging and easy to follow, I enjoyed it! I tested this one out to see if I liked Amor Towles' writing enough to pick up The Lincoln Highway and I'm happy to say that it convinced me. David Harbour's narration is amazing so I highly highly recommend getting the audiobook!
christinesreads's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0