arpentec22's review against another edition
5.0
Kate Christensen is a very thorough writer, and fills each character with a plethora of good and bad qualities. This book was fantastic, and I highly recommend this and the Epicure's Lament (I've been unable to find any of her other books at the library, sadly.)
kpetroll's review against another edition
3.0
It was ok. I didn't really care for Maxine's character too much and the chapter about her bored me. It began well with the story of Teddy and then I lost interest. The book picked up 2/3 in.
chonkooch's review
2.75
Surprising amount of racism some of it seemingly purposeless. Quick and fun read though
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
nappingcat's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
The writing in this was spectacular. The ending didn't hit me quite as satisfyingly as I wished, but I really enjoyed getting to bask in the Kristenson's incredibly sharp, cerebral observations. This is one of those rare books featuring older protagonists that addresses them without the hazy cultural lenses of reverential respect or soft pity. A story of nuanced character portraits on the dramas and delightful freedoms of growing old, mixed with ideas about art, love, and legacy. I also really appreciated the inclusion of one of the most joyous sex scenes I've read this year, featuring a couple well into in their sixtiesÂ
jaclynday's review against another edition
4.0
Few writers can do complexity this well. Love the wealth of intricate, sarcastic, weary female characters.
bethnellvaccaro's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very enjoyable book about a group of older women and the man that their lives revolved around. Refreshing to read a book from the perspective of much older women.
karasmichelle's review against another edition
4.0
Not about a great man at all, but the strong, unique and falliable women who surrounded a celebrated but morally weak artist in his life.
After the artist's death, his sister, his wife, his mistress, his grown daughters and his mistress's best friend are reminded of their time with him through the eyes of two biographers writing about him.
Sometimes comical, often biting, The Great Man gives us female protagonists who are grandmothers, or old enough to be grandmothers. And their voices are anything but tedious.
After the artist's death, his sister, his wife, his mistress, his grown daughters and his mistress's best friend are reminded of their time with him through the eyes of two biographers writing about him.
Sometimes comical, often biting, The Great Man gives us female protagonists who are grandmothers, or old enough to be grandmothers. And their voices are anything but tedious.
ecoluccio's review
2.0
This is a well written book that initial captured my attention, but the style of reminiscing about someone to gain information about the person doing the reminiscing got old in a hurry.