Scan barcode
kerry2046's review against another edition
1.0
Right. I didn't' finish it. I don't do that often, the book has to be really disappointing, like The Other Boleyn Girl disappointing.
I picked this up because I love Spain, I dream of going to Spain. Spanish cinema is my passion, if Pedro Almodovars' name is anywhere in the production of a film I'm going to see it. Antonio Banderas? Javier Bardem? Penelope Cruz? Carmen Maura? If they're in a film, I'm gonna watch it.
I'm trying to transition into literature.
Like one reviewer said, this book does read like a textbook, you're being told the story, not made to live it. I'm not emotionally invested in this at all. It didn't help that I had to wait 100 pages before the book got to the plot that I borrowed it from the library for.
The characters are just meh, I'm not dying to know anything about them. I was excited to learn more about the Spanish Civil War but the way in which we are told it is so bland, I can't take it in. Ever since I saw 'Pan's Labyrinth' I've wanted to know more about that time in Spanish history and this book is my way of learning.
I am amazed that a book can make me so disinterested in Spain, and certainly shan't attempt anymore by this author. She just isn't selling me any of the characters. Or the scenery. I received no impression that it was buzzing and alive except for when she said it was buzzing and alive. I didn't feel involved and that's why I can't finish it.
Half way I made it to and I'm throwing in the towel. But I'm not giving up on Spain in literature. I believe I shall read something written by a Spanish author set in Spain, perhaps they will engross me rather than tell me.
If anyone can recommend me anything at all, please do.
Gosh, you can tell I'm not impressed, I haven't done such a thorough review in months.
I picked this up because I love Spain, I dream of going to Spain. Spanish cinema is my passion, if Pedro Almodovars' name is anywhere in the production of a film I'm going to see it. Antonio Banderas? Javier Bardem? Penelope Cruz? Carmen Maura? If they're in a film, I'm gonna watch it.
I'm trying to transition into literature.
Like one reviewer said, this book does read like a textbook, you're being told the story, not made to live it. I'm not emotionally invested in this at all. It didn't help that I had to wait 100 pages before the book got to the plot that I borrowed it from the library for.
The characters are just meh, I'm not dying to know anything about them. I was excited to learn more about the Spanish Civil War but the way in which we are told it is so bland, I can't take it in. Ever since I saw 'Pan's Labyrinth' I've wanted to know more about that time in Spanish history and this book is my way of learning.
I am amazed that a book can make me so disinterested in Spain, and certainly shan't attempt anymore by this author. She just isn't selling me any of the characters. Or the scenery. I received no impression that it was buzzing and alive except for when she said it was buzzing and alive. I didn't feel involved and that's why I can't finish it.
Half way I made it to and I'm throwing in the towel. But I'm not giving up on Spain in literature. I believe I shall read something written by a Spanish author set in Spain, perhaps they will engross me rather than tell me.
If anyone can recommend me anything at all, please do.
Gosh, you can tell I'm not impressed, I haven't done such a thorough review in months.
phillyvanillyy's review against another edition
3.0
I have been debating how many stars to give this and have settled on 3 because the parts I enjoyed I *really* enjoyed. But, they became a bit sparse after a while and it was quite a slog after the first half, or so. For me, this could have done to have been a lot shorter - definitely nowhere near 578 pages!
tellmeastoryxx's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
pebbles1984's review against another edition
4.0
What a beautiful story! I think I liked it a tiny little bit less than The Island, probably because somewhere halfway through the book there were a bit too many war descriptions for my liking. Also, as with the Island, I thought the modern-day story wasn't very interesting and maybe a bit too much of it. I liked the Sonia-Miguel interactions though!
But, the largest part of the book was of course about the Spanish Civil War. I never knew much about it, except that it happened and that Franco played a role in it, and after enjoying The Island so much and going to Granada soon, I wanted to read this one as well. Except for some of the war-parts, I love the way everything is described, I could see myself being there, right with all the characters in the book. I loved how it was a history-lesson coming to life, and I was shocked at what the people of Spain have been through only so recently.
But, the largest part of the book was of course about the Spanish Civil War. I never knew much about it, except that it happened and that Franco played a role in it, and after enjoying The Island so much and going to Granada soon, I wanted to read this one as well. Except for some of the war-parts, I love the way everything is described, I could see myself being there, right with all the characters in the book. I loved how it was a history-lesson coming to life, and I was shocked at what the people of Spain have been through only so recently.
Spoiler
The part about Mercedes being Sonia's mom, I saw that one coming from the beginning, which is suprising, because normally I never know these things before they happen. That Miguel is Javier, wow, that was a shock!!rosabrancaa's review against another edition
3.0
O livro começou muito bem. Adoro uma boa descrição de comida e de paisagens e lugares. A história central é um bocado previsível demais, e acho que fiquei mais curiosa em saber a história da Maggie e da Sonia.
angiedkelly's review against another edition
3.0
OK read - predictable and in desperate need of a better editor.
jennchandler's review against another edition
4.0
Good, slightly predictable, but interesting. At times, the history overtook the story; I prefer it the other way round. But worth reading.
coops456's review against another edition
2.0
Not a big fan of some of the writing, the timeshifting was clunky and the twist was visible from miles off.
But I love Spain and learnt quite a bit about the Civil War period, so found it worthwhile finishing.
But I love Spain and learnt quite a bit about the Civil War period, so found it worthwhile finishing.
singularidadesdoslivros's review against another edition
5.0
O Regresso converteu-se no melhor livro que já li nos últimos tempo!!
A autora tem o dom de conciliar paixão, magia e música com a triste realidade da Guerra Civil espanhola, originando um enredo bastante cativante.
Adorei, sobretudo, a maneira como foram conjugadas as histórias dos quatros irmãos, onde se demonstrou a forma como cada um, à sua maneira, lidou com a dura realidade, combatendo a dor, a perda, a solidão, o desespero e o sofrimento tão patentes em seu redor. É assim um livro que nos impele a nunca desistir, por mais adversa que seja a nossa situação, pois tempos de paz irão chegar; "Depois da tormenta, vem a bonança", como se costuma dizer.
A minha personagem predileta é António.
Como tal, recomendo a todos que queiram viver fortes emoções e entregar-se a um mar de paixão! :D
5 estrelas! ;)
A autora tem o dom de conciliar paixão, magia e música com a triste realidade da Guerra Civil espanhola, originando um enredo bastante cativante.
Adorei, sobretudo, a maneira como foram conjugadas as histórias dos quatros irmãos, onde se demonstrou a forma como cada um, à sua maneira, lidou com a dura realidade, combatendo a dor, a perda, a solidão, o desespero e o sofrimento tão patentes em seu redor. É assim um livro que nos impele a nunca desistir, por mais adversa que seja a nossa situação, pois tempos de paz irão chegar; "Depois da tormenta, vem a bonança", como se costuma dizer.
A minha personagem predileta é António.
Como tal, recomendo a todos que queiram viver fortes emoções e entregar-se a um mar de paixão! :D
5 estrelas! ;)
lorettaandbooks's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
sad
slow-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? No
3.75