bookthia's review against another edition
4.0
There were things I liked a lot about this book. There is no denying that the author is gifted with her use of language. I enjoyed the story, if only for its prose. The main character, Ellen, tells her story in the first person. As her tale unwinds, you learn how frequently in her life she does not say what she thinks, she does not do what she wishes. Soon, you are reading a tale about a life not lived -- a fate determined by fear, reticence, complacency, resignation. How different might her life have been had she had the courage to tell people she loved them, or to take risks, or to offer an opinion. She wasn't an unlikeable person. In fact, I expect that many readers could relate to some of her choices to hold back -- her fears of public opinion, her desire to blend in and not draw attention. But she is an example of these traits to an rxtreme. And it costs her dearly. And yet, she is so mild, that she doesn't seem capable of outrage, or anger, or even sadness. All of that emotion is left to the reader. And I wanted to shout it to her. But it wouldn't have done any good, even if she could hear me.
A very good, if emotionally frustrating, story.
A very good, if emotionally frustrating, story.
kait_unicorn's review against another edition
4.0
Charming, beautifully written, poetic prose. Excellent tension throughout.
lindseycrouch's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not really sure what to say about this one. I liked it just fine. But when I finished I just said, "huh." It does some interesting things with the narration and the themes are good, but it's such a quiet book. Most of the book I had no idea where the story was going or if it was going anywhere. And it got there eventually, but I dunno. I'll have to think about this book more.
francescamoroney's review against another edition
3.0
Some beautiful prose and imagery but overall I didn't fully come to know or appreciate the main characters.
gigiglorious's review against another edition
2.0
couldn't manage to get through it all. which is a shame. it was beautifully written but the characters didn't hold enough appeal to keep me reading. and in the end you have to ask what's the point.
rclbrooklyn's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. The depth of connection I felt to the characters was the most compelling element. The ending came a bit abruptly, and was not completely satisfying. But that was more a testament to the fact that I wanted more, than the facts in its conclusion.
kathijo63's review against another edition
1.0
I really struggled to get through this book and nearly gave up many, many times. It just rambled all over the place and had no real point.
daschneider's review against another edition
5.0
Well constructed, constantly revealing and beautifully written.
More...