findyourgoldenhour's review
2.0
I really wanted to like this book. It had such potential, but the author kept going off on random stream-of-consciousness tangents that I found distracting. (I'm not a huge fan of Virginia Wolff either, so there you go). There were so many moments where the book would start to grab me, and I'd think, "Finally! It's getting good!" only to have it drift off again. I'm in the minority, however...my book club really liked this book, and a few people loved it and said it was one of their all-time favorites.
tylerteacher's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
azu_rikka's review
4.0
Just finished my first re-read of this compelling novel.
I truly enjoy Aaliya's sardonic character, her sharp observations and beautiful descriptions.
Although there are too many authors, poets, composers and musicians mentioned, I was surprised that since my first read (about 3 years ago) I recognized more names and tangents.
I don't devour this book, I savour it!
I truly enjoy Aaliya's sardonic character, her sharp observations and beautiful descriptions.
Although there are too many authors, poets, composers and musicians mentioned, I was surprised that since my first read (about 3 years ago) I recognized more names and tangents.
I don't devour this book, I savour it!
ricefun's review
3.0
I had high expectations for this novel because of all of the praise it was receiving on NPR and through reviews. It was an engaging and thought-provoking read. However, there were too many places where the writer seemed to be trying to make a profound point about life and age. It was just a bit too overworked for me.
The most powerful scene of the novel happened when the main character chose to wash and care for her elderly mother's feet. It seemed to be a moment when true compassion was displayed, especially after their difficult relationship throughout life.
The most powerful scene of the novel happened when the main character chose to wash and care for her elderly mother's feet. It seemed to be a moment when true compassion was displayed, especially after their difficult relationship throughout life.
lilibuus's review against another edition
Such a slow book with so many quotes from "important" writers, it's like the author is showing off. I read the final 50 pages and it was a nice ending, but did not feel curious about the rest at all.
cher_n_books's review
4.0
3.5 stars - It was really good.
This one started really strong for me with it's introspective writing, but the back 1/3 did not match the engagement of the first 2/3. By that point, the book felt like it was meandering and dragging on, which subsequently brought down the rating on what would have otherwise been a solid 4 star read.
Definitely a book for book lovers, the author has packed this short novel full of literary nods. It is narrated in a nonlinear, quasi stream of consciousness style with very little plot. The narrator, Aaliya Sohbi, is an elderly woman in Beirut whom is both quirky and fiesty. You never know exactly what inner thought she will share next, and that is what kept me turning the pages.
The writing is top notch and the insights are profound and full of clarity; you will want to have your highlighter ready.
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quotes (too many to chose one):
I long ago abandoned myself to a blind lust for the written word. Literature is my sandbox.
No loss is felt more keenly than the loss of what might have been.
Most of us believe we are who we are because of the decisions we've made, because of events that shaped us, because of the choices of those around us. We rarely consider that we're also formed by the decisions we didn't make, by events that could have happened but didn't or by our lack of choices, for that matter.
First Sentence: You could say I was thinking of other things when I shampooed my hair blue, and two glasses of red wine didn't help my concentration.
This one started really strong for me with it's introspective writing, but the back 1/3 did not match the engagement of the first 2/3. By that point, the book felt like it was meandering and dragging on, which subsequently brought down the rating on what would have otherwise been a solid 4 star read.
Definitely a book for book lovers, the author has packed this short novel full of literary nods. It is narrated in a nonlinear, quasi stream of consciousness style with very little plot. The narrator, Aaliya Sohbi, is an elderly woman in Beirut whom is both quirky and fiesty. You never know exactly what inner thought she will share next, and that is what kept me turning the pages.
The writing is top notch and the insights are profound and full of clarity; you will want to have your highlighter ready.
-------------------------------------------
Favorite Quotes (too many to chose one):
I long ago abandoned myself to a blind lust for the written word. Literature is my sandbox.
No loss is felt more keenly than the loss of what might have been.
Most of us believe we are who we are because of the decisions we've made, because of events that shaped us, because of the choices of those around us. We rarely consider that we're also formed by the decisions we didn't make, by events that could have happened but didn't or by our lack of choices, for that matter.
First Sentence: You could say I was thinking of other things when I shampooed my hair blue, and two glasses of red wine didn't help my concentration.
skiracechick's review
4.0
This book really surprised me. When it first staeted, I wasn't sure how I would feel about it, as it was the thoughts of an old woman. I decided to at least get through the first disc, but I quickly deemed it worthy. The woman's self reflections were very interesting and truly captured my attention and emotions. Definitely a worthwhile read.