sarahcoller's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, very rarely do I read something so deep and well-written so quickly. Twenty pages into this story, I knew it would be something very special and it's held my attention almost every spare moment for these last couple days. I learned so much about historical times I was unfamiliar with: the Spanish Inquisition and war time in Bosnia, especially. I feel like too much prattling on my part would really just be a detriment to the beauty of the story but suffice it to say, it's the best thing I've read in a long time.
Content warning: a few profanities are scattered throughout. Not excessive, but harsh when they appear. Several racy and/or abusive scenes but not too detailed.
Content warning: a few profanities are scattered throughout. Not excessive, but harsh when they appear. Several racy and/or abusive scenes but not too detailed.
jaded618's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so fascinating to read! In another life I would have loved to be a book restorer like her. The way she takes each piece of history and researches everything the book has been through. Amazing to imagine!
keeleyadams's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
rachelangle13's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A beautifully crafted novel that comes together nicely. Some of the historical pieces worked better than others, and Hannah wasn’t particularly lovable, but overall I’m really glad I read
readingwithhippos's review against another edition
3.0
I recently attended an author event in which Geraldine Brooks was interviewed by Laura Moriarty! Brooks is smart and articulate, with a delightful sense of style. You can read about the experience here. (Photo of her kickass red booties included!)
ippym's review against another edition
2.0
Even though I raced through this book I couldn't connect with the protagonist's personality or any of her relationships at all - they all seemed so forced and textbook this or that.
I did enjoy the chapters tracing back the history of the Haggadah and the myriad of characters that we get to meet though. In particular, I liked how many of their fates were really left open to interpretation and that while they were a vessel for the Haggadah's passage through history you couldn't help but take an interest in what happened to them (except maybe one or two).
Overall however, I did think the writing was quite weak and the character development of the protagonist poor. The shifting timeline can also be confusing. It's a shame since Geraldine Brooks came highly recommended to me, perhaps I'll need to try some of her other books as it seems opinions vary depending on which of her pieces you read.
I did enjoy the chapters tracing back the history of the Haggadah and the myriad of characters that we get to meet though. In particular, I liked how many of their fates were really left open to interpretation and that while they were a vessel for the Haggadah's passage through history you couldn't help but take an interest in what happened to them (except maybe one or two).
Overall however, I did think the writing was quite weak and the character development of the protagonist poor. The shifting timeline can also be confusing. It's a shame since Geraldine Brooks came highly recommended to me, perhaps I'll need to try some of her other books as it seems opinions vary depending on which of her pieces you read.
kbratten's review against another edition
5.0
Great on audiobook. I got lost/bored through some of the back stories, and thought the conclusion lacked some oomph, but I enjoyed the story immensely. makes you want to go smell (and study) an old book.
analyndagrace's review against another edition
4.0
I wasnt sure I would give this book a high rating, the way the story weaved through the past and present didnt capture my attention, it isnt usually my style. But by the end it was like a treasure hunt and the treasure was the history of a sacred text. I loved the way the story ended bringing all the pieces of history together.
mlsweeten's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5