chpatilde's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
teresac's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
drivemecrazy's review against another edition
2.0
Fully owning that I came to this after watching the film - which I have seen many times and truly enjoy. So it was unlikely the book was going to live up to my expectations.
That said, the issue I had most with the book was the characterization of the women. They were mostly silly and one dimensional in a book that's pretty much about women. Lame.
The movie added a lot more depth to the characters and they made decisions that felt more meaningful. Towards the end of the book, Eilis determines that she never really loved Tony but ends up going back to Brooklyn. Her decisions seem rushed and contradictory to what she's expressed previously. It makes her choices feel cheap and pointless.
Two stars because I was able to finish, and the bones of the novel are good and offered a foundation for the movie.
That said, the issue I had most with the book was the characterization of the women. They were mostly silly and one dimensional in a book that's pretty much about women. Lame.
The movie added a lot more depth to the characters and they made decisions that felt more meaningful. Towards the end of the book, Eilis determines that she never really loved Tony but ends up going back to Brooklyn. Her decisions seem rushed and contradictory to what she's expressed previously. It makes her choices feel cheap and pointless.
Two stars because I was able to finish, and the bones of the novel are good and offered a foundation for the movie.
jeannamarie's review against another edition
4.0
I bought this book in 2018 at the Tenement Museum in New York City. Started it at jury duty last year in 2019 and then finally picked it up again a week ago.
Honestly...one of those times where the movie was significantly better. Reading the nature of Eilis’ thoughts is very factual, she feels a lot of emotion and none at all. Not sure if this is a cultural thing, seems like it could be. Reading this style was somewhat difficult, as I kept finding myself scolding her for so many things. The movie Eilis becomes more confident and has many small victories in achieving the life she wants. The book Eilis never actually reaches that “ah-ha!” moment like the movie. The ending for the movie just leaves you satisfied, whereas the book ending is probably more realistic, but leaves the viewer/reader feeling less triumphant. Maybe it was because I’ve seen the movie multiple times before reading the book & Saoirse Ronan is simple amazing and you just love her.
All in all...I’d rather watch the movie than read this again. However all of that being said, this is a book about an immigrant and in that regard, it is fantastic! You really do feel the struggles she goes through and the stereotypes of the time. Super relevant book for any time period and any type of reader.
Honestly...one of those times where the movie was significantly better. Reading the nature of Eilis’ thoughts is very factual, she feels a lot of emotion and none at all. Not sure if this is a cultural thing, seems like it could be. Reading this style was somewhat difficult, as I kept finding myself scolding her for so many things. The movie Eilis becomes more confident and has many small victories in achieving the life she wants. The book Eilis never actually reaches that “ah-ha!” moment like the movie. The ending for the movie just leaves you satisfied, whereas the book ending is probably more realistic, but leaves the viewer/reader feeling less triumphant. Maybe it was because I’ve seen the movie multiple times before reading the book & Saoirse Ronan is simple amazing and you just love her.
All in all...I’d rather watch the movie than read this again. However all of that being said, this is a book about an immigrant and in that regard, it is fantastic! You really do feel the struggles she goes through and the stereotypes of the time. Super relevant book for any time period and any type of reader.
claremcgall's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
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
4.5
ceviche4breakfast's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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? No
4.25
smcghee's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-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
sadiemcdonough's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
richardms1967's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful, quite wonderful. Toibin proves that great books don't require bags of action, inumerable twists and melodramatic characters to make them work. This is a simple tale beautifully told. As it progresses, the emotional intensity of the narration inches up until you feel as claustrophobic as Eilis does in the novel.
A wonderful novel and definitely worth the read.
A wonderful novel and definitely worth the read.
tayloreve07's review against another edition
Not overly advanced prose, but a really nice story. Don't read it if you're already feeling homesick. Also I'm always going to give good reviews for books that turn me into a pile of weeping mush.