camilleward's review
5.0
this was so amazing and I didn't want it to end!! based on real events, it was really mind opening and heart breaking!
rockshaw22's review against another edition
5.0
I have now spent several minutes looking at my phone trying to decide how to review this book. Obviously, I can't find the right words or I wouldn't have started with that...
Intriguing
Alarming
Sweet
Adventurous
Real
Those are a few words to point you towards the book, but really, you should read it.
Intriguing
Alarming
Sweet
Adventurous
Real
Those are a few words to point you towards the book, but really, you should read it.
sarahafuller's review against another edition
2.0
This story fell flat for me. It seemed disjointed and there wasn’t really a climax. Each of the plot points promised on the back cover we’re severely underdeveloped. There is not a clear theme or moral to this story. The love triangle is more of an aside, and entirely quick and lacking the passion I was promised. And I absolutely loathed all of the main characters except for Andrew. I had high expectations for this one based on some of the reviews I saw and overall was disappointed that it failed to meet them.
afpena's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
tltorrez's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn't sure I wanted to read this book but after only a few pages, I was hooked. The characters are compelling and the writing is gorgeous.
lnluck13's review against another edition
2.0
Read as an audiobook
Quickie review (copied this review style from another):
THE GOOD
•Interesting philosophies. The clash of morals and beliefs about anthropology and so-called "primitive" tribes.
•The juxtaposition between the primitive behaviors of the anthropologists and their perceived sense of the primitive natures of the tribes. Having sex clinically and for reproduction versus having sex for enjoyment and pleasure, for example.
•The author clearly learned something about anthropology before writing this story.
THE BAD
•Cheap intimacy. The relationships between characters often felt manufactured and flat. Purposeful discussions of childhood and dead family members are used to force empathy and sympathy from us, while also making us think that one or two such discussions is enough to justify the close relationships we observe after.
•Dropped plot lines. For a bit, for instance, the book stressed the idea that both Nell and Finn loved Andrew, but perhaps 3 or 4 mentions and then dropped. I feel this would have added to the plot considerably and added complexity to the relationships that felt so flat and like instant love/friendship.
•Although the author researched anthropology, the tribes themselves appear to be fictionalizations, which can be seen as bit troubling since they delve into these cultures' customs, which are often described in very specific ways (often an emphasis on sex). Although actual tribal societies may be like that, making fictional ones instead seems biased or like doing further research was too difficult, which is a shame.
•As a warning: Some serious topics like suicide, rape, and abuse are presented, but not condemned strongly.
1.5/2☆
Quickie review (copied this review style from another):
THE GOOD
•Interesting philosophies. The clash of morals and beliefs about anthropology and so-called "primitive" tribes.
•The juxtaposition between the primitive behaviors of the anthropologists and their perceived sense of the primitive natures of the tribes. Having sex clinically and for reproduction versus having sex for enjoyment and pleasure, for example.
•The author clearly learned something about anthropology before writing this story.
THE BAD
•Cheap intimacy. The relationships between characters often felt manufactured and flat. Purposeful discussions of childhood and dead family members are used to force empathy and sympathy from us, while also making us think that one or two such discussions is enough to justify the close relationships we observe after.
•Dropped plot lines. For a bit, for instance, the book stressed the idea that both Nell and Finn loved Andrew, but perhaps 3 or 4 mentions and then dropped. I feel this would have added to the plot considerably and added complexity to the relationships that felt so flat and like instant love/friendship.
•Although the author researched anthropology, the tribes themselves appear to be fictionalizations, which can be seen as bit troubling since they delve into these cultures' customs, which are often described in very specific ways (often an emphasis on sex). Although actual tribal societies may be like that, making fictional ones instead seems biased or like doing further research was too difficult, which is a shame.
•As a warning: Some serious topics like suicide, rape, and abuse are presented, but not condemned strongly.
1.5/2☆
lilyvertrees's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-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? No
3.75
chandaferguson's review against another edition
4.0
Nell is intelligent, emotional-connected and invested in her work, and a renowned voice of anthropologist. Her husband, Fenn, is perhaps her downfall, as he is more of a brute in the terms of physicality and mentality, and rather than wish to contribute to her success, he means to exceed her. The book begins with their introduction, which ultimately provides enough context to understand their relationship and work.
Then comes Alexander Bankson, who comes from a past of disappointed scholarly parents he just couldn’t please, two dead brothers, and an unsuccessful suicide attempt himself. Bankson as a character adds a lot to the story, but in terms of how his perspective is implemented into the book, I admit I had to reread the introduction to realize it was a different perspective. There’s no clarification of that perspective change, and I found that throughout the book to be difficult for the reading process. In addition, quotation marks aren’t always used for dialogue and that added to this difficulty.
However, after re-reading the introduction and some sections throughout, I would be able to re-access and discern the perspective. These three anthropologists are exploring tribes to better understand human psychology and to see what new discoveries they can share and make a name for. As relationships grow, conflicts rise, and curiosity floods the plot. I found myself engaged in the excerpts about the tribes, especially Nell’s perspectives, and I loved the section with Helen’s book. I found myself confused at certain parts, but with a more intentional focus, I was able to better follow the story.
The last 50 pages or so really changed my whole perception of the book, and I found that it really brought the whole story together in a deep, thoughtful, impactful way. I considered this more of an educational read, but I appreciated the moments that made me feel like it was almost escapism. It’s wonderfully written in terms of the story, and I found the characterization, plot, and conflicts to be extremely intriguing. I recommend this as an adult read, but perhaps for those who consider themselves readers, as I wouldn’t say this is an easy or leisurely read.
Then comes Alexander Bankson, who comes from a past of disappointed scholarly parents he just couldn’t please, two dead brothers, and an unsuccessful suicide attempt himself. Bankson as a character adds a lot to the story, but in terms of how his perspective is implemented into the book, I admit I had to reread the introduction to realize it was a different perspective. There’s no clarification of that perspective change, and I found that throughout the book to be difficult for the reading process. In addition, quotation marks aren’t always used for dialogue and that added to this difficulty.
However, after re-reading the introduction and some sections throughout, I would be able to re-access and discern the perspective. These three anthropologists are exploring tribes to better understand human psychology and to see what new discoveries they can share and make a name for. As relationships grow, conflicts rise, and curiosity floods the plot. I found myself engaged in the excerpts about the tribes, especially Nell’s perspectives, and I loved the section with Helen’s book. I found myself confused at certain parts, but with a more intentional focus, I was able to better follow the story.
The last 50 pages or so really changed my whole perception of the book, and I found that it really brought the whole story together in a deep, thoughtful, impactful way. I considered this more of an educational read, but I appreciated the moments that made me feel like it was almost escapism. It’s wonderfully written in terms of the story, and I found the characterization, plot, and conflicts to be extremely intriguing. I recommend this as an adult read, but perhaps for those who consider themselves readers, as I wouldn’t say this is an easy or leisurely read.