rachatkin's review
2.0
I guess I expected a lot more from this novel, and who can blame me after reading [b:Bright Lights, Big City|86147|Bright Lights, Big City|Jay McInerney|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1399647015s/86147.jpg|144128]? I read this because I’m interested in post-9/11 fiction and whilst this book deals with this as an event, the real focus of this novel is the characters and their relationships. Whilst that was fun to read about, I don’t really enjoy domestic dramas especially in the time period it was set in.
I was underwhelmed by this simply because I expected it was going to be something else. But McInerney has still proved himself as a wonderful writer of humanity and it’s complexities.
I was underwhelmed by this simply because I expected it was going to be something else. But McInerney has still proved himself as a wonderful writer of humanity and it’s complexities.
lucydov's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
1.0
ladygetslit's review against another edition
3.0
In the second novel about married couple Russell and Corrine Calloway, The Good Life shows what happens with 9/11 implodes the everyday life of New Yorkers. Corrine tries to bury her emotions in volunteering at Ground Zero, where she meets Luke McGavok, a wealthy Upper East Sider who recently quit his job in finance to pursue a sense of purpose.
the premise: B. I was drawn into the storyline about what it was like to live in New York City during and after 9/11.
the writing: A+. Jay McInerney has an engrossing style full of detail that really delves into the emotional complexity of his characters.
the story: C.I have a lot of trouble getting emotionally involved in stories that center around extramarital affairs. Not only do I find it completely not relatable, but I’m generally bothered by how often this storyline appears, with variations, in literary fiction of the past 50 years or so.
the characters: B-. Despite hating the storyline, I did find myself caring for Corrine, at least; Russell, somehow, is a nonentity to me, despite having now read 3 books about him.
diversity: C+. Russell’s best friend, Washington, is a black man, and McInerney does delve into what it’s like for him in a world that’s allegedly post-racial. However, a closeted gay side character literally dies in 9/11 before his personality can really be fleshed out.
overall recommendation: for those who love a good New York novel but aren’t bothered by plots that revolve around affairs.
the premise: B. I was drawn into the storyline about what it was like to live in New York City during and after 9/11.
the writing: A+. Jay McInerney has an engrossing style full of detail that really delves into the emotional complexity of his characters.
the story: C.I have a lot of trouble getting emotionally involved in stories that center around extramarital affairs. Not only do I find it completely not relatable, but I’m generally bothered by how often this storyline appears, with variations, in literary fiction of the past 50 years or so.
the characters: B-. Despite hating the storyline, I did find myself caring for Corrine, at least; Russell, somehow, is a nonentity to me, despite having now read 3 books about him.
diversity: C+. Russell’s best friend, Washington, is a black man, and McInerney does delve into what it’s like for him in a world that’s allegedly post-racial. However, a closeted gay side character literally dies in 9/11 before his personality can really be fleshed out.
overall recommendation: for those who love a good New York novel but aren’t bothered by plots that revolve around affairs.
louyzzz's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
3.0
barbarabarbara's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
3.5
onewhitetree's review against another edition
3.0
I can't say exactly where this book lost me. There's some incredibly truthful poetry here, but he human relationships always seemed manufactured for shock value rather than humanity.
haudurn's review against another edition
2.0
Tedious and superficial. Lacking the social commentary of his earlier works. Is McInerney lazily riding the coattails of his own success?
litdoes's review against another edition
4.0
A romantic story set in the aftermath of 9/11, somewhat apt in its protrayal of imperfect love set in these postmodern times... So morally ambivalent,you root for the adulterous pair...
lbast's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alexbond3's review
5.0
What can I say, I just love Jay McInerney, and Russell and Corinne. I feel like I know them. I want to read this one again.