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simcha13's review
5.0
I read The Gargoyle the first time in 2010 and instantly fell in love with both the story and the imagery. At the end of the day, I believe this story is about redemption and finding yourself. And the lyrical and beautiful way that Davidson accomplished that is in itself transformative.
I reread this story as my first book of 2020. It’s still as beautiful and still as moving and perhaps one of those books that I will continue to recommend for the rest of my life!
I reread this story as my first book of 2020. It’s still as beautiful and still as moving and perhaps one of those books that I will continue to recommend for the rest of my life!
ylbirda's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Some passages were a bit slower, but in general I enjoyed the switching of timelines.
The end wasn't quite satisfying for me, but there wasn't really much more to add.
It was full of interesting references, so I will consider reading up on those.
A "funny" coincidence was that, during finishing the book, I knocked over a big cup of tea and spilled it all over my leg (on the first day of my summer holiday!).
The end wasn't quite satisfying for me, but there wasn't really much more to add.
It was full of interesting references, so I will consider reading up on those.
A "funny" coincidence was that, during finishing the book, I knocked over a big cup of tea and spilled it all over my leg (on the first day of my summer holiday!).
meganhart92's review against another edition
challenging
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
4.75
ambs_elizabeth's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Gut wrenching, brutal, and raw. Such a beautiful story of love. Unforgettable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Medical content, Medical trauma, Car accident, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Grief, and Abandonment
skynet666's review against another edition
4.0
This is a well written, but bizarre book. I can tell you that's it's already given me weird dreams and although I will keep reading it (because the story is very interesting), I'm not sure how I'll like it.
I'm now done with the book and I must say that although I found the first part of the book disturbing (and I rarely say that), the rest was a wonderfully told story that switched back and forth between the past and the present. I don't always like that, but this book does it with every other chapter, so it was easy to follow and provided you with some sense of when you'd get back to each time frame. It is a wonderful book and I cannot imagine how this writer came up with the story. I'm not sure, however, that it's for everyone.
I'm now done with the book and I must say that although I found the first part of the book disturbing (and I rarely say that), the rest was a wonderfully told story that switched back and forth between the past and the present. I don't always like that, but this book does it with every other chapter, so it was easy to follow and provided you with some sense of when you'd get back to each time frame. It is a wonderful book and I cannot imagine how this writer came up with the story. I'm not sure, however, that it's for everyone.
aopella's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
meginsanity's review against another edition
5.0
I originally wasn’t interested in this book – the jacket text didn’t intrigue me. But a coworker of mine recommended it, and I found myself drawn into it within the first few pages. It’s definitely my favorite book of the year so far. I loved the story, but also the stories within the story – Marianne Engel’s historical, tragic love stories, with repeating common themes, and the narrator’s journey through Dante’s hell. I loved each of the characters, and found myself reading it slowly to enjoy certain passages and stories, with the author’s vivid writing bringing every scene to life. Definitely one I am going to buy and keep on my bookshelf.
sianw1992's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of the most amazing books I've ever read. I'm not much for love stories, I find them all a bit schmaltzy, but this was beyond a love story. It was epic, the characters were fantastic, especially Marianne Engel, and the protagonist was an anti-hero of sorts. The author did everything to make you dislike him but he still found a way into your heart. I recommend this above every other book I have ever read. It's incredible, out of this world and will keep you hooked right through to the end.
vicjack's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tanashea07's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved Marianne's stories and I became so involved with the story that I felt like I was one of the characters.
I cannot wait to see more work from this author!
I LOVED IT!!!! :)
I cannot wait to see more work from this author!
I LOVED IT!!!! :)