leasummer's review against another edition
3.0
This is an easy read that was just okay but I felt too bad giving it 2 stars so I gave it three. I'm still not totally sure what the story was about - her mother visiting and her life while she was in the hospital, but also her marriage and children and childhood and writing a novel. It's very oddly set up, easy to follow but I find myself wondering why, what was the point. This author may just not be for me as this is the second I've not connected with.
whitmc's review against another edition
5.0
Some books you read for the plot and others you read for the experience of reading and the plot is just something that runs in the background. Lucy Barton is an experience of reading book. The observations, insights, and moments along the way are observant, well-written, and real.
There were moments when I grabbed a notebook and turned back the audio copy to scribble down some quotes that I wanted to stick with me:
"It interests me how we find ways to feel superior to another person, another group of people. It happens everywhere and all the time. Whatever we call it, I think its the lowest part of who we are. This need to find someone else to put down."
and
"Anyone who uses their training to put someone down that way, well, that person is just a big old piece of crap."
There were moments when I grabbed a notebook and turned back the audio copy to scribble down some quotes that I wanted to stick with me:
"It interests me how we find ways to feel superior to another person, another group of people. It happens everywhere and all the time. Whatever we call it, I think its the lowest part of who we are. This need to find someone else to put down."
and
"Anyone who uses their training to put someone down that way, well, that person is just a big old piece of crap."
neaful's review against another edition
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sonjaaaa8's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kcoccia's review against another edition
3.0
From the other reviews I was expecting this to be incredibly depressing. I guess it was sad but more in a... "Life isn't as exciting as we'd like to think and shit happens and we all have a past" kind of way.
melaniebridget's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75