caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
A plus for its setting in the Moroccan desert, but the pervading sense of anxiety is not my favorite kind of reading. Nevertheless, very well done, and I may watch the recent film version if only to revisit Morocco.
veganjo's review against another edition
5.0
Gripping tale about the clash of cultures, atonement, redemption, revenge and forgiveness.
I loved the setting and descriptions: you could sense the desert, almonds, lemons, etc.
Fabulous book of fiction, although rather uncomfortable at times. A superb read.
I came across this book as part of a “reading spa” at an independent book store in Bath, UK. Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights. One of their book experts selected it for me, as I love the Middle East, stories of relationships, cultures, etc. Fabulous match!
I loved the setting and descriptions: you could sense the desert, almonds, lemons, etc.
Fabulous book of fiction, although rather uncomfortable at times. A superb read.
I came across this book as part of a “reading spa” at an independent book store in Bath, UK. Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights. One of their book experts selected it for me, as I love the Middle East, stories of relationships, cultures, etc. Fabulous match!
originalmelodie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Complicated read in that no character is free of criticism and fault.
Often times I was shocked by these characters thoughts and reactions.
Often times I was shocked by these characters thoughts and reactions.
dhughes10's review
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
wendoxford's review against another edition
3.0
A cast of unlikeable louche Europeans "weekend" and party against the desert background of conservative Morocco. An "accident" en route causes the death of a local causing the two cultures to address their extreme differences.
With a nod to Gatsby and a similarity to the febrile atmosphere of the film Babel, Osborne captures both sense of place place and moral ambiguity equally well. Whilst the book is riveting, I found the constant clash of rich/poor - believers/unbelievers (which was necessary in the sight of such excess) lent the story an element of parable, which grated at some points. The beautiful descriptive writing was similarly laboured at points.
That said the constant overlaying of cross-cultural nuance in so many ways take the reader on a fascinating journey
With a nod to Gatsby and a similarity to the febrile atmosphere of the film Babel, Osborne captures both sense of place place and moral ambiguity equally well. Whilst the book is riveting, I found the constant clash of rich/poor - believers/unbelievers (which was necessary in the sight of such excess) lent the story an element of parable, which grated at some points. The beautiful descriptive writing was similarly laboured at points.
That said the constant overlaying of cross-cultural nuance in so many ways take the reader on a fascinating journey
unabirraecentopaginealgiorno's review against another edition
1.0
Le descrizioni esageratamente dettagliate non permettono una lettura sciolta, i personaggi spregevoli impediscono l'empatia. Come se non bastasse, la storia è trascinata. Da tenere sul comodino al posto del Valium. NO.
lisagray68's review against another edition
3.0
What a dark and morbid little book. If you've ever (if you're an American) been totally embarrassed by Americans abroad, think of that feeling and multiply by about a thousand. That's how offended you will be by every single character in this book - there isn't a likable one among them. Still, it's probably an important book in terms of its commentary on the relations between Arabs and Westerners; Christians and Muslims; and the widening gap between us. Even so, there's not an easy answer, or in fact, any answers to be found here.
snicksnacks's review against another edition
5.0
A lush and lavishly descriptive look at two world-views colliding, as well as the schism between old and young. I really enjoyed it, and appreciated the gaspy ending.
melissa_m's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
daschneider's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I did not like the characters, so it was difficult to like the book. I found the writing confusing, as a character said one thing and thought another and acted another, all in a few moments.