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jesica13's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
brandongryder's review against another edition
5.0
This was an absolute page turner. Two stories, two mysteries, told from alternating points of view. The best kind of writing: snappy dialog, captivating characters, compelling mysteries. I would give it 6 stars if I could.
janisdeedy's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so hard to put away. I really fell in love with both characters and their journey to understanding their tragic past. I wish the ending wasn't so rushed, but overall I loved it.
angelamichelle's review against another edition
4.0
[Movie theater massacre, PI, sister of girl who disappears at carnival]
azwahine_reads's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
chrischrischris's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
billymac1962's review against another edition
3.0
I'm going against the high ratings for this one. I loved November Road. So much that I had only read one other novel before I had to read Len Berney again.
This one, the Long and Faraway Gone (great title, though), seems to the preferred novel between the two among reviewers. I'm pretty surprised at this because I had some issues with this book that I felt were pretty obvious.
But let's get to the good points. I loved the story idea, particularly the mysteries surrounding Wyatt and Genevieve, and the separate story arcs, and some pretty good character development.
The story itself was the one driving force (especially Wyatt's mystery) that kept be engaged. This was such an enticing mystery that I couldn't wait to see how Berney was going to resolve it, despite the pacing issues. Thus the bad points for me...
I found the novel to be very long for the story that was being told. At times from the middle of the book on I was getting impatient for the resolutions, but kept going for that carrot on the end of the stick. Also, another thing that could have really used a good editor was some pretty bad repetitiveness. There were questions the characters would be asking themselves over and over and over again.
But the worst part of the novel?
The ONE thing that was keeping me engaged, why Wyatt was left alive in the theater, was NOT answered!
I mean, come on. I enjoy some ambiguity as much of as the next guy, but in this instance? Not cool, Lou.
I should rate the novel one star for that alone, but for the most part the writing was ok, and the characters fairly good.
But that one thing, to me, is inexcusable. I am so glad I read November Road before this one, because if this was the first novel I had read by this guy I wouldn't read him again.
So, three stars.
This one, the Long and Faraway Gone (great title, though), seems to the preferred novel between the two among reviewers. I'm pretty surprised at this because I had some issues with this book that I felt were pretty obvious.
But let's get to the good points. I loved the story idea, particularly the mysteries surrounding Wyatt and Genevieve, and the separate story arcs, and some pretty good character development.
The story itself was the one driving force (especially Wyatt's mystery) that kept be engaged. This was such an enticing mystery that I couldn't wait to see how Berney was going to resolve it, despite the pacing issues. Thus the bad points for me...
I found the novel to be very long for the story that was being told. At times from the middle of the book on I was getting impatient for the resolutions, but kept going for that carrot on the end of the stick. Also, another thing that could have really used a good editor was some pretty bad repetitiveness. There were questions the characters would be asking themselves over and over and over again.
But the worst part of the novel?
Spoiler
The ONE thing that was keeping me engaged, why Wyatt was left alive in the theater, was NOT answered!
I mean, come on. I enjoy some ambiguity as much of as the next guy, but in this instance? Not cool, Lou.
I should rate the novel one star for that alone, but for the most part the writing was ok, and the characters fairly good.
But that one thing, to me, is inexcusable. I am so glad I read November Road before this one, because if this was the first novel I had read by this guy I wouldn't read him again.
So, three stars.
bikes_books_yarn's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
readingjag's review against another edition
4.0
This was a kind of meditation on how people deal with trauma, while several mysteries gave it structure, suspense, and drive. Really enjoyed it.
tamisriram's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0