Reviews

West by Carys Davies

david_harold_nicholson's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective tense fast-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

4.75

cody240fc's review against another edition

3.0

Davies paints an ugly picture of humanity in this brisk read set in 19th century America. I don't think the author has a high opinion of the opposite sex, because other than our main character, every single man in this novel suffers from insatiable appetites and low character. Even Cy, despite his kindness, has his failings as a parent and suffers from a serious case of ignorance.

Overall though, there is a lot to like here. Davies' prose is impressive and I enjoyed the non-linear approach. Davies also uses multiple perspectives to tell this tale, occasionally with characters that at the time seem insignificant. These characters and their thoughts and opinions become relevant later on when Cy reflects on his decision to leave his daughter behind.

Yes, focusing on mankind's poor moral character is not enough for Davies. She also has to remind us that, more likely than not, we're going to make poor decisions in our life and that, more likely than not, we won't realize those mistakes until it's too late. Thanks Carys.

The conclusion is quite strong though and it (shockingly) leaves the reader with a glimmer of hope. Perhaps she hasn't given up on mankind quite yet?

Somewhere in the 3-4 range. Settle on high 3.

tarajoy90's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective sad 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? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape

writenisha's review against another edition

adventurous reflective tense 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

rosareads's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional reflective medium-paced

4.25

christiek's review against another edition

4.0

Davies writes a lovely meandering, but tense journey with snippets from back home. How are lives impacted by the offbeat choice of one man? And can his choice come to fruition? In some way? I love the way Davies writes this, but I am not sure yet why the ending. I am happy to have complicated feelings about it to mull for a while. 

valkyriekiller69's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective

• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

unusualspring's review against another edition

adventurous sad fast-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? No

4.0

beth00's review against another edition

reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

exeidur's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Een bewogen verhaal waarin alles gewoon klopt. Het einde is onvermijdelijk, en toch wil je gedurende het boek blijven lezen om te zien hoe het gaat aflopen. Fantastisch in elkaar gezet.
Niet mijn genre, maar toch heeft iedere pagina me geboeid.