Reviews

The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard

mrsbooknerd's review against another edition

3.0

I have mixed opinions of this novel. While I enjoyed the fastidious study of the family Cazleat and those around them, and the teeny tiny details that seemed so superfluous but actually ensured that you knew the characters completely and understood their vices, worries and dreams. There wasn't really an overarching plot as such, but each family and each character had their own individual stories which made a generally good book, Even if there seemed no real point to any of it.

I think that was my issue, it was very good but with no direction. The point of the book was solely to describe these characters and not to lead them anywhere. In a romance they would bumble through then fall in love, in a thriller they would investigate and solve a crime... in this novel they just ... were.

sminismoni's review against another edition

On the surface, this should have been a book I loved. Historical fiction, family saga etc. But by God, the characters were terrible. Firstly they seemed largely indistinguishable, especially the three brothers. There were dozens of children I couldn’t keep track of. Secondly, they were unlikeable; boorish aristocrats with ennui. Well, I gave up. What a shame.

2janie's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing slow-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? Yes

4.0

jaclyncrupi's review against another edition

Each year I pick an author to reread. Last year was Barbara Pym, this year is Elizabeth Jane Howard. The Cazalet Chronicles make for the most delightful reading. I listened to the audio and I cannot express how much I loved having this book read to me. I love family sagas. I love/hate this family. I love Elizabeth Jane Howard.

elliethecatlover's review

emotional funny reflective relaxing slow-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

3.75

raughy's review

medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

seonarella's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted reflective slow-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

3.0

elisabethshanahan's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-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? No

5.0

jennyag's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny informative reflective 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? Yes

4.0

giuliboni's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75