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jodigraham's review against another edition
2.0
Something got lost in translation. Hated the ending. Never connected with the characters. I was glad it was short.
mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
4.0
This is the fourth novel that I've read by Per Petterson, a Norwegian author, this particular book having been translated by Don Bartlett. Of the four novels of Petterson's that I've read, one, [b:Out Stealing Horses|398323|Out Stealing Horses|Per Petterson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1317791439l/398323._SY75_.jpg|3321103], is a book that I love, and one, [b:To Siberia|1155037|To Siberia|Per Petterson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1181449552l/1155037._SY75_.jpg|2811491], is a book I didn't care for. As a result, I Refuse waited on my shelves for over two years before I read it.... I wanted to hoard it, in case it was as excellent as Out Stealing Horses. I wanted to postpone it, in case it disappointed.
In the end, I liked it very much. I cared about the characters. I was caught up by the story, which moves back and forth in time, and switches between several characters. I liked the writing itself. There are moments of understated kindness, of brutal horror, of different shades of sadness. The friendship between the two principal characters moved me greatly. For me, this isn't as entirely and unequivocally excellent as Out Stealing Horses, but it is very fine.
Significant spoilers ahead. Stop if you haven't yet read the book, but think you might do so one day.
In the end, I liked it very much. I cared about the characters. I was caught up by the story, which moves back and forth in time, and switches between several characters. I liked the writing itself. There are moments of understated kindness, of brutal horror, of different shades of sadness. The friendship between the two principal characters moved me greatly. For me, this isn't as entirely and unequivocally excellent as Out Stealing Horses, but it is very fine.
Significant spoilers ahead. Stop if you haven't yet read the book, but think you might do so one day.
Spoiler
Very near the end of the book, one of the main characters is waiting by a bridge, desperate to see his friend from thirty years in the past. And that friend, Jim, is driving toward the bridge, feeling suicidal. I very, very much wanted to learn whether they met; and, if so, what direction that meeting took; or whether Jim committed suicide without their meeting. However, the author doesn't show what happens. I understand the decision to withhold the resolution, but it left me unhappy.in_and_out_of_the_stash's review against another edition
4.0
Different voices for different characters as well as third person narrative. Sometimes spare, sometimes stream of consciousness.
johngolden's review against another edition
3.0
Per Peterson I Refuse
Not one of his better stories. The prose was disappointing I've read better in his work. Perhaps something was lost in translation. The story is told by several characters in the book with different viewpoints and how their lives intersect.
Not one of his better stories. The prose was disappointing I've read better in his work. Perhaps something was lost in translation. The story is told by several characters in the book with different viewpoints and how their lives intersect.
erkefiende's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely mesmerizing novel about the decisions people make and how it affects their lives. I don't quite know what to say: It is extremely impressive.
cattylou's review against another edition
4.0
Visually amazing, story was a little slow but drew me in. First time I've read Per Petterson, now I want to read Out Stealing Horses....
manaledi's review against another edition
3.0
I found this unsatisfying at the end. I wanted more loose ends tied up, but it was not a plot book. There was nevertheless a power to the words.
tiens's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bettyvd's review against another edition
2.0
Getwijfeld tussen twee en drie sterren. Het boek kwam zeer traag en stroef op gang. Ik baalde van de geografische details. In de tweede helft van het boek komt de psychologie iets meer op de voorgrond en wordt het leesbaarder. Maar in mijn ogen mis je niet veel als je dit boek laat liggen.