lola425's review against another edition
4.0
While I think I enjoyed The Epicure's Lament more, I did enjoy this book. It is rare that I empathize with a male character over a female one, but in this case, I was wholly in Harry's corner and furious with Luz. I think that Christensen totally captured that strange combination of middle-aged angst, the comfort of being settled balanced against the desire for some of that drama from our youth, which you can't replicate without throwing your whole life into chaos. Great writing, Brooklyn was as much a character as any of the people in the book, and you cared about what happened to everyone. Harry's new relationship seemed doomed to fall into a domestic routine too quickly, but you did hold out hope that he has learned something along the way.
desirosie's review against another edition
2.0
I was disappointed with this story, especially considering it was my own personal Biblioracle recommendation. There was nothing wrong with it per se, and I did finish it, even though it was a few days overdue at the library, but it wasn't anything I got excited about. As dysfunctional marriages and families go, the Quirks weren't anything new or exciting and I just didn't care that much about the characters. I finished the book 2 days ago and their names are already fading from my memory....will Harry and Luz get back together? Will their son escape from the weird cult? Will their daughter [...] oh wait, she's kind of a minor character, actually. Blergh.
melloves2read's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed parts of this book but I just couldn't care about the characters enough. Luz just made me so mad but I also didn't feel that she was very well developed. I guess we were just seeing everyone through Harry's eyes so it should all be taken with a grain of salt. Some good insights on religion and marriage but I've enjoyed her other books more.
sarahjsnider's review against another edition
3.0
I assume this is called The Astral because The Most Clueless Man in Brooklyn was taken. Harry does get a clue eventually, but it takes him long enough. If you let go of the desire to like all the characters, it's pretty good.
ronbronson's review
2.0
Like a lot of the other people, I just didn't find that I cared enough about the main character or his life enough. I couldn't get anywhere near lost in this story.
msmichaela's review against another edition
4.0
Loved, loved, loved this novel -- the first of Kate Christensen's fiction I've read. Kinda can't wrap my head around the reviews that suggest nothing happens.
theoncominghope's review
4.0
It's been a while since I've read a "literary" novel, and certainly there are expectations with that sort of novel -- a slower pace, meditative plotting, and a whole lot of character insight. Well, Kate Christensen pulled a fast one on me. She drew me in with some of the most exquisitely beautiful prose in recent memory and then introduced, surprise!, a lot of comedy and a lot of action.
Full Review Here:
http://theoncominghope.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-review-kate-christensen-astral.html
Full Review Here:
http://theoncominghope.blogspot.com/2011/07/book-review-kate-christensen-astral.html
jodiwilldare's review
1.0
A few weeks ago I was having a discussion with Christa where I posited that big New York Publishers like books about New York where characters just wander around in their New Yorkness being all New Yorky with the utmost New Yorkitude. My prime example: Netherland by Joseph O’Neill which tons of people loved the crap of, but I would lay wagers on the fact that at least 3/4 of that tonnage was made up of New Yorkers.
Kate Christensen’s The Astral is another example I can add to my Crackpot Theory. In this novel, fiftysomething poet Harry Quirk wanders around Brooklyn being Brooklyn-y and pining for his estranged wife, Luz. She’s kicked him out of their apartment at The Astral because she’s convinced he’s having an affair with his longtime BFF, Marion, who’s been recently widowed.
Read more.
Kate Christensen’s The Astral is another example I can add to my Crackpot Theory. In this novel, fiftysomething poet Harry Quirk wanders around Brooklyn being Brooklyn-y and pining for his estranged wife, Luz. She’s kicked him out of their apartment at The Astral because she’s convinced he’s having an affair with his longtime BFF, Marion, who’s been recently widowed.
Read more.