rebbemcc's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed this book. I'm a sucker for well done magical realism, parallel story lines, and books about books. Written in a very somber, yet delicate voice, with vivid descriptions of characters and places. I was more intrigued with the circus story happening in the past than Simon's present day story, but they dovetailed nicely toward the end.
nglofile's review against another edition
4.0
A hazy, otherworldly tale growing out of interconnected timelines, family misfortunes, sideshow eccentrics, and fairy tale charms. My personal read was a bit complicated, with some elements winding unexpected enchantments while others weren't as much to my taste.
Strangely I find myself still reflecting days after discussion, and my thoughts are drawn more to the moods, settings, and motifs than to characters or events. Perhaps it is the times in which I've read this, but there's a curious comfort in the melancholy and embattled, though most in my first discussion would characterize differently. It's rather fitting that the story leaves readers feeling as if they are holding their breath, half-submerged under water. How pleasant or unpleasant that experience may be for each individual speaks volumes.
Strangely I find myself still reflecting days after discussion, and my thoughts are drawn more to the moods, settings, and motifs than to characters or events. Perhaps it is the times in which I've read this, but there's a curious comfort in the melancholy and embattled, though most in my first discussion would characterize differently. It's rather fitting that the story leaves readers feeling as if they are holding their breath, half-submerged under water. How pleasant or unpleasant that experience may be for each individual speaks volumes.
mschoo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
snwdngo's review against another edition
5.0
This book has some really not great reviews and I have to admit that I don’t know why. I thought it was fabulous. It was definitely a book that I was not able to put down, I loved the speed of it, the characters, and how it encompasses multiple different timelines within a generation. I thought this was an absolutely wonderful book.
jjbateman's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Very slow and honestly boring. I feel like the plot had a lot of potential and some parts I enjoyed, but the author kept jumping into flashbacks with poor transitions that made it hard to understand.
ashlensays's review against another edition
3.0
didn't love it. didn't hate it. all the characters seem to have an angriness hidden in the way that they are. I'm not someone who needs fluffy unicorn and rainbow books but every character throughout the whole book had this underlying anger. quite disheartening. no joy or good in this book.
hlogan's review against another edition
2.0
It was okay. Just realized partway through that I wasn't invested in the characters and didn't care what happens next.
atlasofclouds's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
honeymonster's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book about water, family secrets and curses just didn't grab me. It's fine, just not my thing.