dcmr's review against another edition
2.0
While the writing is beautifully poetic, the story felt scattered and the telling fragmentary. Maybe this was intentional but it left me confused and annoyed.
karenreagan's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
devinelybookish's review against another edition
2.0
I was recommended this book by one of my university lecturer's. I wanted to see how race was represented in different novels (I am writing a novel which has a mixture of races and I didn't want to offend anyone with my writing so I was given this book to look at.)
The story itself is interesting. It deals with war, love, heterosexuality, homosexuality, and racism in the 50's. I will not give any spoilers in case others wish to read it.
The language of the book is poetic which has its benefits and restrictions. It works well because the poetic language is consistent and allows readers to be more reflective in the message the novel carries. However, the poetic writing can sometimes take away from the story. I think for the message though, the poetic reflectiveness was necessary.
I have given this book a three star not because I disliked the book greatly, but because it is not my cup of tea. I finished the book simply for the fact of finishing the book (it is not particularly long). There was an element of wanting to read it so I could find out what happened but the story was not gripping in a way which I enjoy.
The story itself is interesting. It deals with war, love, heterosexuality, homosexuality, and racism in the 50's. I will not give any spoilers in case others wish to read it.
The language of the book is poetic which has its benefits and restrictions. It works well because the poetic language is consistent and allows readers to be more reflective in the message the novel carries. However, the poetic writing can sometimes take away from the story. I think for the message though, the poetic reflectiveness was necessary.
I have given this book a three star not because I disliked the book greatly, but because it is not my cup of tea. I finished the book simply for the fact of finishing the book (it is not particularly long). There was an element of wanting to read it so I could find out what happened but the story was not gripping in a way which I enjoy.
mfabiano726's review against another edition
This is the story of Pearlie Cook, her husband Holland and her husband's former lover, Buzz. Buzz comes into Pearlie and Holland's life to get Holland back, with a promise of much fortune for Pearlie if she lets him go. I was slightly disappointed with the writing in this book. I felt as though the author took 3 sentences to say what he could have just as easily said in 1. The last 20 pages of this book were the best - it kept me more interested than the rest of the book.
phoevincent's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
federicafrazza's review against another edition
4.0
Scaglie di ghiaccio nel cuore.
Questa storia è dolorosa come non avrei mai immaginato; sapevo che mi sarei trovata davanti tanta cruda realtà ma non avrei immaginato QUESTA realtà.
Ho addosso il dolore di Pearly, Holland, Buzz, William, Annabel, Alice, Beatrice, ... di tutti i personaggi che sono comparsi in questo romanzo dell'animo umano.
Da leggere per ritrovare il coraggio e la forza dopo aver toccato il fondo delle nostre paure più profonde.
Questa storia è dolorosa come non avrei mai immaginato; sapevo che mi sarei trovata davanti tanta cruda realtà ma non avrei immaginato QUESTA realtà.
Ho addosso il dolore di Pearly, Holland, Buzz, William, Annabel, Alice, Beatrice, ... di tutti i personaggi che sono comparsi in questo romanzo dell'animo umano.
Da leggere per ritrovare il coraggio e la forza dopo aver toccato il fondo delle nostre paure più profonde.
ckzinger's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
robi_'s review
2.0
Ho terminato questo libro a fatica. Ho trovato la storia molto piatta, basata su relazioni fatte di cose non dette, che trovo insopportabile.
brianreadsbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
leslielikesthings's review against another edition
3.0
This book relied way too heavily on one of my very least favorite plot devices - misunderstandings because characters don't just freaking talk to each other and ask important questions - for me to truly enjoy it. I tried hard to put myself into the characters' shoes and understand why they wouldn't just communicate, and I know it's not always that simple, they come from a very different time and circumstance than I do, etc. But that's a pretty big narrative pet peeve of mine, so it's hard for me to get past it when the entire plot hinges on that lack of communication.
The historic details about San Francisco in the 1950s were interesting and well-done, which made me bump my rating up to three stars.
Spoiler
I have a lot of thoughts about a white dude writing from the point of view of a black woman and how I don't necessarily think he was particularly successful, but I'll save those for my book club meeting.The historic details about San Francisco in the 1950s were interesting and well-done, which made me bump my rating up to three stars.