Reviews

The Speed of Light by Elizabeth Rosner

k8iedid's review against another edition

5.0

I *loved* this book (so many highlights), but the Big Thing that was revealed came out so suddenly and unexpectedly. Perhaps because the family history was revealed through Julian's stories that I didn't put together that Paula was traveling straight into the family's history - so when it happened and was so shocking, I was really not ready. I also felt Julian and Paula's relationship wasn't really developed. She clearly cared for him, but she never called him directly? Only letting her manager convey messages? Was that a voice thing?

Anyway, these plot points didn't take away from the overall story arch, themes or beautiful writing. This book is so so sad. Rosner created three really interesting characters, and I didn't consciously notice the present/past POV's until the discussion questions at the end. I loved it - would be great for a book club discussion.

floribunda52's review against another edition

5.0

just lovely...

I rarely re-read books, but something sparked me to pick this one up again. It's just as beautiful the second time around.

vgk's review against another edition

5.0

This book, like Rosner's other novel Blue Nude, snuck up on me. I was unsure about it at the start, but then suddenly I loved it. A beautifully written story about how to consolidate the past with the present, about bearing witness and using our voices, about connections between people and across time. I loved it.

micki1961's review against another edition

4.0

Really poetic book; well written; about a reclusive man who lives upstairs of his opera singer sister and her cleaning lady Sola. Told in all three voices. Hopeful + sweet.

a_lovesbooks's review against another edition

4.0

A truly wonderful read. I've read quite a few novels where survivor's guilt plays a great role. This one has three different point of views of that. The demons they battle are not the same, but still so similiar. I found Paula's POV quite boring up until the end. Julian and Sola are so beautiful, though. Omg. The ending totally got to me.

loristaats's review against another edition

4.0

I liked having the story told from three different perspectives, it was helpful that each narrator had a different typeset as the story often changed from one to another. Some of the outcomes seemed predictable, but overall I found it interesting how the different threads of the book were interwoven. Interesting how our past and those of our families influence us, even when we aren't aware of the stories.

jomarch436's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This is a very deep book. The main focus is how the three characters have dealt, or not dealt, with trauma. I felt like there was so much focus on this, it wasn’t enjoyable. Which really it probably wasn’t supposed to be. But it just felt wrong; unrealistic maybe. The last 50 pages were the best for me. It felt like the characters were really getting somewhere, understanding more about themselves and the world. One grip I have is with the character Isaac, Paula’s lover/conductor friend. To me he comes across as using her for sex and gives her bad advice like he’s condescending. Then at the end of the book he gives her really good advice that helps her and the reader understand why

Spoiler

she can’t sing anymore

. I actually feel like Sola would have been a really good person to deliver that advice, as she came across as very wise. Or even Julian because he is very perceptive and emotional as well.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm, Genocide, and War

bekab20's review against another edition

3.0

I could only give this one 3 stars. It took me a long time to get passed the use of 3 narrators with only a change in font for each one. This is also a very deep book on sorrow and maybe I just wasn't in the mood for deep or something. While it was interesting, it didn't pull me back over and over like some other books I've been reading lately.

ndobson71's review

4.0

I enjoyed this book. It alternates between three very distinct characters who each has a story to tell. The book went in a direction I was not expecting, but the end result was satisfying. You realize, at the end of the novel, that sometimes the bravest thing we can do in life is to reach out to another person. Sometimes, though, that act is terrifying, and we back away. I also like the book's approach to dealing with the past. Sometimes we are haunted by ghosts that are not our own. Family history has a way of piling the baggage on, and it can be difficult to figure out how to live with the legacies others leave behind. This novel raises so many interesting questions about life, family history, and relationships. On another level, the writing in this story is beautiful and poetic. Gorgeous passages that contain very real and honest emotion. I definitely recommend it.