Reviews

World's End by T.C. Boyle

anitaofplaybooktag's review

4.0

It's funny, I just looked back at my review for [b:Drop City|24724|Drop City|T.C. Boyle|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327936131s/24724.jpg|3159281], and somehow I want to write almost an identical review for this book even though the story is totally different. For me, reading Boyle is really not so much about the quality of the story he tells, but rather the way he tells it like no one else. His prose reminds me of a powerful waterfall . . .it's just water flowing over a cliff right, but somehow it evokes a certain feeling of awe in you when you look at it. Even though water alone or a cliff alone doesn't do the same. That's how Boyle's writing hits me. It starts off a little slow, but builds this momentum to where I can't stop thinking about the story and don't want to stop reading it. His work is populated with creative, not terribly likable characters, but he comes up with all sorts of fresh situations for them.

This book is almost like a saga with generations of the same families being described in the 17th century and the 20th century. The big picture theme is how the characters can't seem to escape the destiny outlined for them in the 17th century no matter how hard they try. Arguably, some don't try very hard. It's hard to really describe what Boyle does with these folks, but in one family line the characters keep being stricken with a desire to eat everything in sight. Another character eats dirt from his cellar when he is stressed. These quirks and foibles are throughout the book and add so much interest. Motivations are revealed, but more slowly so you have a chance to bring your own opinion to the table only to find out you are wrong.

Really well written book that deserves its spot on the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die list.

laylajohnston's review

3.0

I am a huge TC Boyle fan, but this was not my favorite work. Far too much of the stoic Indian stereotype. I did, however, appreciate the history of New York Dutch settlement.

shari_billops's review

World's End (Contemporary American Fiction) by T.C. Boyle (1990)

_durnin's review

challenging dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

nexerix's review

challenging dark informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

beoooz's review

challenging mysterious reflective 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

5.0

hannahleewhite's review

challenging dark mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

sarahreadsaverylot's review against another edition

3.0

Excellent writing and thorough lifelike characters, but I couldn't get into the story. For all its postmodern twisting and magical realism, I couldn't make myself care about the outcome. Liked the ending though.

jsslwy's review

5.0

God, this book was so fun. I definitely had to refer to the character list for a little while because there are two plots with very similar character names (for a reason!!!) I loved this book a lot and the build up to the climax was wonderful. This is my first time reading T.C. Boyle and the man can write! The way he uses language, perspective, and interwoven plot lines is truly *chef's kiss*

ashbot's review

dark informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0