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eliellis's review against another edition
3.0
Winn was a less well-written (and worthy of less empathy) version of Updike's Rabbit. Eh.
sharimeyer's review against another edition
3.0
This was a great satire of WASPy New Englanders and an enjoyable book that has more to it than you would assume based on the jacket copy. The characters had depth beyond their surface in some cases, and notably lacked depth where others had presumed them to have it. The overall effect of this, to me, was to show that we can't possibly presume to fully know the workings of another's mind, even our own spouses. The funny bits were a little overly ridiculous but I did snicker to myself quite a bit.
aarrick's review against another edition
5.0
I heard on one of my podcasts that this would make a great summer read as it takes place in the Hamptons during a wedding weekend. It sounded simply Ralph Lauren-esque so I couldn't wait to get into it. It's about a family, the father of them in particular, who are preparing for their pregnant daughter's wedding at their island vacation home in New England. Between the father's obsession with joining the local golf club, the sister trying to get over her ex-boyfriend and using the weekend to do it, and the crazy antics of the bridesmaids and groomsmen. It also features a runaway lobster and an exploding whale. How is that not an entertaining summer read??
readhikerepeat's review against another edition
4.0
From The Book Wheel:
A social satire, Seating Arrangements is a wonderful debut novel by Maggie Shipstead about the Van Meter family, who comes together for the wedding of their pregnant daughter to another socialite from the Duff clan. With clandestine affairs, falls from grace, and secrets abound, the weekend unfolds in the most unlikely of ways.
Taking place on the exclusive New England island of Waskeke, no character is left untouched. With the exception of the bride and groom, who defied the proper order of things by becoming pregnant before the wedding (and having the audacity to get married with her belly bulging), the family is pitifully hilarious.
For the full review, click here.
A social satire, Seating Arrangements is a wonderful debut novel by Maggie Shipstead about the Van Meter family, who comes together for the wedding of their pregnant daughter to another socialite from the Duff clan. With clandestine affairs, falls from grace, and secrets abound, the weekend unfolds in the most unlikely of ways.
Taking place on the exclusive New England island of Waskeke, no character is left untouched. With the exception of the bride and groom, who defied the proper order of things by becoming pregnant before the wedding (and having the audacity to get married with her belly bulging), the family is pitifully hilarious.
For the full review, click here.
astadz's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
krystyn13's review against another edition
2.0
Snobby whiney rich people doing ridiculously stupid and selfish things. I really should have given up on this book but I held out hope that it might get better. I was wrong. Total waste of time. Stupid story. Stupid characters.
rachaelprest's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kristin_roemer's review against another edition
1.0
Blech I HATED Winn so much. There was literally no redeeming qualities about him, he learned nothing, he sucked so hard. I didn’t root for any of the characters who were all unhinged by the way. If you want a book about WASPs being obsessed about private clubs and extremely inappropriately sleeping with each other on a wedding weekend (also: whale guts!) this book is for you!!