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baileymoroney's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
one of my best friends gifted me this book for my birthday, and i’m so glad she did. i wasn’t expecting to be as invested in the book and the characters as i was, considering the book's length, how it took place over several years, and mentioned many characters. while i’m very close to my immediate family, i feel like anyone can relate to the intricacies this family represents, including myself. the book also represented to me the importance of not letting things go unsaid; so many of the characters felt different weighing emotions because they didn’t share how they felt or didn’t know how to communicate with each other. this book tugged at my heart.
Minor: Death and Death of parent
knkoch's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I liked this! It feels like ages ago now that I finished it. It's a perfect light and easy read containing depth of character without a searing or heavy plot. In fact, I was surprised by how little plot there was, but I enjoyed that. Everything doesn't come together with deep thematic resonance or catharsis, which I admit I'm often drawn to. Not every family goes through a crisis requiring that. Each chapter is focused on a different family member's point of view, spanning maybe three generations, but I don't think Tyler ever revisits any one character's internal perspective. I felt a peaceful sort of letting go in this, and the way characters are revisited from a distance within another family member's observation or relationship with them. The vignette style of charting this family felt different than others I've read lately, and I liked that novelty. No one develops into a villain, protagonist, or black sheep. Rather, everyone walks their own path and finds their own version of fulfillment in a very realistic way. I particularly enjoyed the grandmother's story
Moderate: Death of parent
lgiery's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Immersive. Visceral.
Spanning from 1959 to 2020, "French Braid" tells the story of a single family (over four generations), exploring its complexities. It's the first Anne Tyler book I've read. Now I plan to read them all.
Spanning from 1959 to 2020, "French Braid" tells the story of a single family (over four generations), exploring its complexities. It's the first Anne Tyler book I've read. Now I plan to read them all.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal cruelty
dr_aimz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Death
jadewindsor's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Minor: Death and Death of parent
agnesg's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Death of parent
mel_s_bookshelf's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Death of parent and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal cruelty, Infidelity, and Racism
kleaf's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death of parent
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