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juliamc_corner's review
3.0
3.7
So I ended up really liking this book and the way that little mysteries from the beginning were slowly solved as the book went backward in time. I really didn’t like the first part of the book at all because I didn’t like one of the main narrators, but it was worth it to stick it out.
So I ended up really liking this book and the way that little mysteries from the beginning were slowly solved as the book went backward in time. I really didn’t like the first part of the book at all because I didn’t like one of the main narrators, but it was worth it to stick it out.
summerofsoaps's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
amy_werner's review against another edition
3.0
I would have given this book a higher rating, I enjoyed reading it, but I found the book confusing in parts and felt more explanation needed to be given to the reader on many of the characters and plot lines. Still don't get the ending.
rhays40's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
sherryl's review against another edition
Although the writing is good and the characters interesting, I got to the 51% mark and still could not see the plot or point of this story.
gringuitica's review against another edition
2.0
😭 I was so delighted when my hold came up at the library. Three timelines, an old home, and art? My kind of book! Ugh, no. Boring doesn't even begin to cover the second half. What a disappointment.
cyndireadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I get that the "telling a story in reverse" was what was supposed to make this story so unique and special, but it just fell flat for me. It almost reads like a mystery because there are a lot of unanswered questions in the first half that get filled in later. I will say it frequently took me out of the book because I kept thinking "this will be probably mean something in an earlier time." The end result for me was a lot of undeveloped stuff at the beginning that ended up feeling weak. For me, the book would have been more interesting if it went in chronological order. As an example, the contents of the attic wouldn't have been a mystery, but I think it would have been more meaningful. Just my opinion. I think the author is talented. I liked the sections on their own, I just didn't like this construct.
baileydouglass's review against another edition
1.0
Ok maybe I am not smart enough for this book, or maybe I should have read a physical book where I could move back more easily, but I think there are supposed to be secrets and connections revealed that I didn’t really get. I felt better when I googled and learned that the author had written a FAQ, so presumably others find this book confusing as well.
Idea of how it’s told is so cool and I think the story is interesting, but I just needed it spelled out more clearly.
Idea of how it’s told is so cool and I think the story is interesting, but I just needed it spelled out more clearly.
penguin_emperor_of_the_north's review against another edition
3.0
I received this book as part of Good Reads First Reads giveaway.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is a reverse generational saga centered on the house Laurelfield in northern Illinois. Each chapter (1999, 1955, 1929 and 1900) is the story of how people are alternatively attracted to or repulsed by the eponymous mansion. I liked the way Ms. Makkai left it unclear if their is something genuinely supernatural going on or if our protagonists are just a few spoons short of a silverware set.
She also creates fascinating characters with diverse motivations and their own, shall we say, unique ways of getting what they want. They scheme, blackmail and conspire to either dig into Laurelfield or to get as far away as possible.
Overall, it's a really interesting book with a diverse array of characters and is an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed reading this book. It is a reverse generational saga centered on the house Laurelfield in northern Illinois. Each chapter (1999, 1955, 1929 and 1900) is the story of how people are alternatively attracted to or repulsed by the eponymous mansion. I liked the way Ms. Makkai left it unclear if their is something genuinely supernatural going on or if our protagonists are just a few spoons short of a silverware set.
She also creates fascinating characters with diverse motivations and their own, shall we say, unique ways of getting what they want. They scheme, blackmail and conspire to either dig into Laurelfield or to get as far away as possible.
Overall, it's a really interesting book with a diverse array of characters and is an enjoyable read.