Reviews

The Singer's Gun by Emily St. John Mandel

haudurn's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

This captivating tale is full of unpredictable characters that are a little hard to empathize with but compelling to engage with. Loved it from beginning to end.

dryriver's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

An intriguing read. I like the last two parts of the book much better than the first. The characters had breadth, though I was frustrated by Anton’s parents and cousin at some points - their reactions didn’t feel genuine at many points. 

ktschnei's review against another edition

mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.0

subpolka's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars rounded down. Mandel is one of my favorite contemporary authors - I’ve read/loved three of her other books (Station, Montreal, Glass Hotel) - but this one seemed a little…undercooked.

Still a worthy read full of gorgeous language - just not one that I’m likely to pick up again.

eclark93's review against another edition

dark 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? Yes

5.0

clairemariarose's review against another edition

4.0

*3.5 stars rounded up*

this was fine! it definitely has that distinct mandel tone and it hits all the highlights: a chaotic cast of morally gray characters, mystery and intrigue, non-linear timelines, an impending sense of doom, etc.

i think where this fell flat for me was the fact that so much of the plot was waiting. we spent so much time waiting for this one thing to happen, and then the ending just kind of fizzled out. i would say i was super invested for like 85% of the book for the last chunk to just feel kinda weak :/

it’s not my favorite mandel, but i’m still glad to have read it. definitely freaked out a little bit when the title popped up too lol

fruitonthemind's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

arnorosenfeld's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective fast-paced

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

3.75

maryrosegrace's review against another edition

dark funny mysterious relaxing sad tense 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

3.75

bexellency's review against another edition

5.0

I love the stories Emily tells.  As part of that minority of people who has been to Inuvik I enjoyed seeing that place name.  This book has great themes on who’s good and who’s bad and are all bad actions equally bad.  

From the scene where Anton took the singer’s gun, I knew it would be used to kill someone.  But I still enjoyed the journey to get to that point in the story, and was surprised by it.