haleyseidenkranz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
twofries's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
notesonbookmarks's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this. I an beating myself for not listening to Melissa 12+ years ago and reading it ASAP. Instead, I let itlanguish on my shelves, almost gave it away, and finally decided to pick it up.
This multi-generational saga starts in Greece at the beginning of the 20th century. It follows Lefty and Desdemona and their family, as told through the eyes of their grandchild, Calliope. You've got the fabulous Greek culture, you've got early 20th century immigrant experience, the auto boom, Works War II. It's all contained in these pages and they are so worth reading.
This multi-generational saga starts in Greece at the beginning of the 20th century. It follows Lefty and Desdemona and their family, as told through the eyes of their grandchild, Calliope. You've got the fabulous Greek culture, you've got early 20th century immigrant experience, the auto boom, Works War II. It's all contained in these pages and they are so worth reading.
robynryle's review against another edition
3.0
I've read this before, but am doing it again (no easy task) for book group. I don't know how much patience I have for the epic, first-person novel. Is there some conceit in going on for over 500 pages, basically about yourself, as if your own life story is the story of the world? I would put Midnight's Children in this category, as well.
lebook's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
plootensnooten's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. A moving and fascinating story.
zen_chick's review against another edition
5.0
This book!!! It's long, loooooong. Epic in scale spanning 3 generations of a Greek family who emigrated to the States during a war with Turkey. The narrator is Cal/Callie, who tells the story of his family looking back from his present day. Can I just say the LANGUAGE of this novel is absolutely breath-taking. Eugenides is so skilled in his writing, it was really lovely to read his descriptions, to relish in his characters and their remarkable story. It's told with a sense of wonder that charmed the hell out of me. I mean....this QUOTE..."I was thinking how amazing it was that the world contained so many lives. Out in these streets people were embroiled in a thousand different matters, money problems, love problems, school problems. People were falling in love, getting married, going to drug rehab, learning how to ice-skate, getting bifocals, studying for exams, trying on clothes, getting their hair cut and getting born. And in some houses people were getting old and sick and were dying, leaving others to grieve. It was happening all the time, unnoticed, and it was the thing that really mattered."
I listened to the audiobook version and the reader (actor?) was just masterful. The only regret I have is that I was thus unable to slow down and relish the language, or re-read a particularly beautiful passage. But that just means that I have the pleasure of reading the physical book and enjoying the story all over. JOY!!
I listened to the audiobook version and the reader (actor?) was just masterful. The only regret I have is that I was thus unable to slow down and relish the language, or re-read a particularly beautiful passage. But that just means that I have the pleasure of reading the physical book and enjoying the story all over. JOY!!
jgmencarini's review against another edition
4.0
This book started out very well, with good character development and an interesting plot. I was somewhat disappointed by the ending as I felt Eugenides was racing toward a conclusion too quickly. After comprehensive character histories and plot developments, it was wrapped up too neatly in a bow. However, I still give it four stars for creativity and character development.