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nicnicblue's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
zoe_louiseo's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
repeatt's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Infertility, Abortion, and Abandonment
ameliawebb123's review against another edition
3.0
I usually adore Maggie O’Farrell but was a bit disappointed with This Must be the Place. I found the characters difficult to engage with, and felt there was not enough focus on/description of the major events of the novel.
The best part of this book is the placemaking of different locations (New York, rural Ireland, London, and the Scottish Borders) - these backdrops are almost characters in their own right and beautifully presented to the reader.
The best part of this book is the placemaking of different locations (New York, rural Ireland, London, and the Scottish Borders) - these backdrops are almost characters in their own right and beautifully presented to the reader.
pitiazpiazu's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
kelly_inthe419's review against another edition
4.0
This was another excellent book from Maggie O'Farrell. It's funny, because about halfway through I wasn't even sure how I would rate it. By the end, I knew it was a solid 4, maybe even 4.5, stars. Although frustrated at times with Daniel's lack of self awareness, I really liked him as the main character. He hasn't had a easy life and clearly made some very poor choices along the way. But who doesn't love a good story of love and loss and redemption.
The story moves backward and forward in time as well as location, and features a large cast of characters including Daniel's wife Claudette, children from two marriages, an old flame, an old flatmate, and others. At times it felt a bit disjointed, hence my uncertainty on whether I would finally like it. For this story, I read back and forth between the hard copy and audiobook. It helped keep things fresh in my mind and keep people and timelines straight.
As always, O'Farrell's writing was beautiful and atmospheric, and her characters were complex, varied and interesting. Real life is rarely easy and rarely follows a straight trajectory. The same goes for the characters in This Must be the Place. I couldn't help rooting for all of them and found the ending to be absolutely perfect. I highly recommend this if you don't mind the varied timelines and perspectives and if you love family drama and the interpersonal relationships among family members.
The story moves backward and forward in time as well as location, and features a large cast of characters including Daniel's wife Claudette, children from two marriages, an old flame, an old flatmate, and others. At times it felt a bit disjointed, hence my uncertainty on whether I would finally like it. For this story, I read back and forth between the hard copy and audiobook. It helped keep things fresh in my mind and keep people and timelines straight.
As always, O'Farrell's writing was beautiful and atmospheric, and her characters were complex, varied and interesting. Real life is rarely easy and rarely follows a straight trajectory. The same goes for the characters in This Must be the Place. I couldn't help rooting for all of them and found the ending to be absolutely perfect. I highly recommend this if you don't mind the varied timelines and perspectives and if you love family drama and the interpersonal relationships among family members.
joannalouise's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
dhivyareads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
chloo_reads's review against another edition
sad
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? No
3.75