kookykoi's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't love this as much as The Night Circus but I still love it. Going to add it to my Read Again list as I think I'll love it more on the second go.
personarobot's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
3.75
ajswhimsy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
drodriguez1304's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
kjirstiben's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
doxamully's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
madelineahjones's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
waiteh22's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoy this book, though I have some thoughts. You just can't beat Morgenstern's beautiful writing. This book truly is a "love letter to storytelling" (taken from another's review). It really appealed to my book-worm self. The main character is also a grad student who loves to read (basically me). Another review put it perfectly: "Erin Morgenstern is not for everyone. Her writing is for those who love the story for the sake of the story."
Like the night circus, I feel that the 'plot' takes a back seat to the beautiful imagery and the magical world she creates. If you're looking for a plot-driven book, this is probably not for you. I'd actually suggest reading The Night Circus before this one - just to see if her writing style is for you. No real plot, but sometimes fables don't have a strong plot. This book reminded me more of a fable where things sometimes don't make sense, but they are fun regardless.
One critique other readers had was that the plot was hard to follow. I actually found that really fun and kept me on my toes. I personally liked all the smaller stories within the larger story! It was my favorite part actually. If you're paying attention, I don't think its hard. Some of the confusion & things that didn't make sense actually add to the story.
I do agree with critiques that the love story is underdeveloped. Like I said above, this reads more like a fable where the romance is there, but its not the main story. I personally like it when romance is not central. I do have to say that some sentences made me roll my eyes a bit.
It also makes references to a ton of other literature (which is fun for bookworms like me)!
Like the night circus, I feel that the 'plot' takes a back seat to the beautiful imagery and the magical world she creates. If you're looking for a plot-driven book, this is probably not for you. I'd actually suggest reading The Night Circus before this one - just to see if her writing style is for you. No real plot, but sometimes fables don't have a strong plot. This book reminded me more of a fable where things sometimes don't make sense, but they are fun regardless.
One critique other readers had was that the plot was hard to follow. I actually found that really fun and kept me on my toes. I personally liked all the smaller stories within the larger story! It was my favorite part actually. If you're paying attention, I don't think its hard. Some of the confusion & things that didn't make sense actually add to the story.
I do agree with critiques that the love story is underdeveloped. Like I said above, this reads more like a fable where the romance is there, but its not the main story. I personally like it when romance is not central. I do have to say that some sentences made me roll my eyes a bit.
It also makes references to a ton of other literature (which is fun for bookworms like me)!
lacoure's review against another edition
3.0
It starts off really strong but I was a bit disappointed by the latter half. I would still recommend and will likely read again.