Reviews

You can tell that the author can write, but I still didn't like the book. It felt like a satire that turned plain malicious, sprinkled with some good descriptions. Would recommend film over the book.

trix898's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark mysterious medium-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

3.75

nancycala's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-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

3.0

Content Warnings

lilylanie's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

There is no doubt that Updike is a brilliant author, with every phrase and thought cleverly and meticulously crafted, but I’ve always found it difficult to enjoy a book when I didn’t like any of the characters. I read this as an audiobook, and when the sound stopped, I realized I had stopped listening because I just didn’t care what happened to anyone in the end.

codycampbell's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Gorgeous prose. If you read it as a modern criticism of white feminism then this is 5 stars, unfortunately i'm certain it's NOT meant to be that. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars

cellardoor10's review against another edition

Go to review page

DNF at 28%. This is really quite painful to read. Updike has never really *listened* to the way women talk about and think about sexuality, each other, men, their bodies, etc. His prose is often intriguing, but he gets so carried away by his own woodcraft that he meanders into insulting and disturbing comparisons, etc. Really irritating.

More...