wlaraia's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
nicolebonia's review against another edition
4.0
Moehringer has pieced together a fascinating portrait of the motivations and beginnings of one of the Unites States’ most successful and infamous bank robbers, and the undying love that determined the course of his life. Understanding just why Sutton was so attached to Bess Endner after she inspired a life of crime requires the completion of the novel to fully understand. Sutton also quickly and frequently cuts from past to the present for chats with Reporter and Photographer, and there are a veritable stream of characters constantly referred to only by their role or profession. Moehringer liberally uses this time construct throughout the novel, and it could have been used more sparingly. However, the other satisfying elements of the novel and the resolutions to some of the questions it raises made it worth minor narrative annoyances. The complex psychological portrait of Sutton along with other colorful characterizations, and an ear for dialogue makes this a worthy read for anyone interested in bank robbers, Old New York, and good old-fashioned star-crossed lovers.
dianaj23's review against another edition
4.0
When you need something unlike everything else on the market, this is the book. Gripping, fast-paced, real. After reading this (and putting his other great book, The Tender Bar, on my permanent favorites list) I am convinced I would read anything Moehringer writes.
chrystalmckay's review against another edition
3.0
The Book was an easy enough read, but the story simply wasn't as fascinating as I hoped it would be. With the topic of a notorious bank robber, action and adventure was what I thought the book would have. But the bank heist stories were slow and uninteresting and the inter-woven life story didn't focus on any of the details I thought were interesting. I probably wouldn't recommend it but I wouldn't say it isn't worth the time either.
anniew415's review against another edition
4.0
Fun and engaging - an interesting fictional biography full of intelligence, humor, and wisdom. Really enjoyed this read.
daleann's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable historical fiction about The bank robber Willie Sutton. The story starts with Sutton's release from prison and proceeds with Sutton looking back on his life through a series of flashbacks.
knittingreader's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
alloula's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book at a hostel library in Switzerland. The writing style is unique, and once you get used to the lack of quotation marks it is quite good and very clever. It was really interesting and the characters felt real. I really enjoyed this author's style. I admit that after a while it got tiring reading about the same thing over and over (no spoilers!) but I must say that the ending makes up for the books flaws; it was a truly impacting and powerful story of love.
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
5.0
Recommended by Connie and Ellen J. Read Ellen's review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/649954644
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Ssutton%20moehringer__Orightresult__U1?lang=eng&suite=pearl
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Ssutton%20moehringer__Orightresult__U1?lang=eng&suite=pearl