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andreareyes's review against another edition
4.0
I marvel at how Tartt could make a man out of her mind. As other reviews have said, it’s absolutely believable that Theo Decker exists in this world. Tartt writes with such depth and detail that these happenings flash like a play in my mind. Not to mention how fantastic the audiobook narrator was. He added life to the characters with distinct voices full of personality. My favorite character was Boris. My favorite dynamic was Pippa and Theo, because of course, it was.
The end was the best part. After 32 hours of story, Decker’s reflections gave me grief and hope. It was infuriating and necessary for me to hear from a character who had felt deep loss yet found profound meaning. My takeaway is that life is bleak until and unless we find glimmers of hope and beauty. These pieces, however fleeting, intangible or impermanent can sustain us for a lifetime. What a privilege it is to hold a piece even once.
The end was the best part. After 32 hours of story, Decker’s reflections gave me grief and hope. It was infuriating and necessary for me to hear from a character who had felt deep loss yet found profound meaning. My takeaway is that life is bleak until and unless we find glimmers of hope and beauty. These pieces, however fleeting, intangible or impermanent can sustain us for a lifetime. What a privilege it is to hold a piece even once.
abenson59's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. It is wise and sad and so beautifully written.
alexp5124's review against another edition
4.0
I would give this a 5 star but I felt as if I was left unsatisfied with it. I loved the story and getting to know all of the characters but I feel like the ending was not as shock and awe as I expected. However, Donna Tartt is a extraordinary writer and her way with words is beautiful.
shawna_lewis_cevraini's review against another edition
2.0
Did not finish. I tried several times but the book just seemed to go on and on. I think it's just because I could not connect with the characters at all. Disappointed that I couldn't get into it since it's such a highly acclaimed book.
msarataj's review against another edition
5.0
I haven't been able to get these characters out of my head; in fact, I miss them! I so enjoyed the experience of reading this novel, it being simultaneously a page-turner and a Novel (with a capital N). I love a good "hero" who lives in the gray - someone who is flawed, sometimes inarguably "bad," but nonetheless GOOD. I wish I hadn't finished this one so damn quickly, it'll definitely be a re-read at some point in the future!
hughesjenm's review against another edition
2.0
Two stars vs one star only bc I enjoyed the artistic knowledge that was interspersed. She clearly did her research on art history and the restoring and storing of furniture and fine art.
I had trouble finishing and enjoying the story at all.I found the main character an unlikable boy/man who whenever was given the opportunity to redeem himself, only did so when it was seen by other people. He is not someone who I was able to connect with, and did not feel that I wanted to. The theme's that the author presumably wanted to get across with the story were not experienced and learned by the character through the story. The last chapter was a depressingly reflective journal entry by Theo which the lessons & themes were considered, but not presumed to be taken to heart by the main character.
It seemed to be a story of a boy/man who, yes, had unfortunate events happen to him, but did not grow and better himself throughout his life. He seemed stuck throughout the whole story.
I had trouble finishing and enjoying the story at all.I found the main character an unlikable boy/man who whenever was given the opportunity to redeem himself, only did so when it was seen by other people. He is not someone who I was able to connect with, and did not feel that I wanted to. The theme's that the author presumably wanted to get across with the story were not experienced and learned by the character through the story. The last chapter was a depressingly reflective journal entry by Theo which the lessons & themes were considered, but not presumed to be taken to heart by the main character.
It seemed to be a story of a boy/man who, yes, had unfortunate events happen to him, but did not grow and better himself throughout his life. He seemed stuck throughout the whole story.
monkeelino's review against another edition
4.0
I went into this book knowing it had a good reputation, but not knowing anything about the plot. And for no reason I can explain, I also thought it was a small- to medium-sized book. Thus, I was not expecting to be dropped immediately into a tragic tale wrapped inside something akin to an action movie (at least, in parts). I liked how sprawling this novel is. I felt more annoyance/disdain for the main character (Theo) than compassion and yet I enjoyed going along for the ride that was his life. And it is certainly a ride. Kind of like life: sloppy, ambitious, touching, preachy and unbelievable at times, but always persistent. Plus, the Boris and Hobie characters really captured my heart.
mcbtx2024's review against another edition
Too long and rambling. I was able to get through more than half of the book, but finally gave up. Very frustrating.
laurabeth9's review against another edition
5.0
This 800+ page novel is a must read but not if you can’t give it the attention it deserves. Tartt does a phenomenal job setting every scene so you feel as if you are in the room with them. You get to understand Theo and his teenage angst, fears and love. You see him set about his own personal Odyssey and wonder “what if?” right along with him. This novel covers death and longing so heartbreakingly while at the same time shows the long lasting capabilities of real loving friendships. I listened to it as an audiobook and after reading reviews, I’m glad I did because the narrator never let the book drag on or get slow.