palliem's review against another edition
5.0
I hate to admit this, but I almost gave up on this book during the first 35 pages or so. It was something I just picked up at the library (I loved the beautiful cover) on a whim, so I didn't feel particularly compelled to finish it.
Then, I decided to give it one more chapter. And when I looked up, one hour and 150 pages later, I was in love.
The book really is just a series of moments covering the course of a century in the Hastings family, but what beautiful and heartbreaking moments they are. The writing is gorgeous, that characterization complex and compelling, and the storyline captivating. A novel that will stick with the reader long after the final page.
Then, I decided to give it one more chapter. And when I looked up, one hour and 150 pages later, I was in love.
The book really is just a series of moments covering the course of a century in the Hastings family, but what beautiful and heartbreaking moments they are. The writing is gorgeous, that characterization complex and compelling, and the storyline captivating. A novel that will stick with the reader long after the final page.
gretel7's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Rather tedious, overly descriptive, not an enjoyable read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Cursing, War, and Death of parent
meghanmarion's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book as part of Goodreads First Reads.
I found the plot of this story to be very interesting. Sometimes it felt slow, but there was something about the writing that continued to pull me in. Not sure if this book was my favorite, but I definitely loved the author and her writing.
I found the plot of this story to be very interesting. Sometimes it felt slow, but there was something about the writing that continued to pull me in. Not sure if this book was my favorite, but I definitely loved the author and her writing.
canadianbookworm's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
https://cdnbookworm.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-undertow.html
mariah_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Extremely melancholy, and the writing was hauntingly beautiful.
florapost's review
5.0
I loved the format of this book-- dipping into a family's life every few years made it feel epic, yet not bogged down. The author had a remarkable way of describing simple things, like the "inky black" of a dog's coat. I loved this one.
momrec's review
3.0
This book flowed well through the generations. Even though it typically only covered a short period of time for the main characters you understood them well. Great descriptive language. Thought provoking book. Will look for others by this author.
halfmanhalfbook's review
4.0
Beautifully written story of a family over four generations. Deals with loveloss betrayal with the common thread being a book of postcards handed down over the generations
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