A review by katiez624
This Must Be the Place by Maggie O'Farrell
5.0
This is one of [a:Anne Bogel|6537850|Anne Bogel|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1560950150p2/6537850.jpg]'s all-time favorites, and I've been meaning to read it ever since I heard the recommendation. But the premise did not grab me, so it has taken years. But now I get it.
This is a very unassuming book, one that I never would have picked had it not been for Anne's glowing reviews. The plot is meandering, going from the present day to 10 years ago, all in a span of a few paragraphs. But even though it can seem like the story is going off on a tangent, it is ultimately evident that this was the plan all along. The timeline also jumps between chapters, telling the story in a nonlinear but coherent and compelling way. The more I read, the more I realized that this is an epic saga, spanning over 50 years, with a multitude of characters and perspectives that all coalesce into one sweeping story.
The descriptions of the scenery, of facial expressions, of situations, are so incredibly vivid, with just the right amount of detail to put you right into the middle of the story. I've also acquired many new vocabulary words from this book, which I always welcome.
Learning about the characters' backstories is almost like reading about their past lives. Each phase is so different and defining, altering the characters' lives permanently. At its core, this book highlights the most pivotal moments in each character's life, in a nonlinear manner. All of the characters and scenarios are incredibly relatable and realistic. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.
This is a very unassuming book, one that I never would have picked had it not been for Anne's glowing reviews. The plot is meandering, going from the present day to 10 years ago, all in a span of a few paragraphs. But even though it can seem like the story is going off on a tangent, it is ultimately evident that this was the plan all along. The timeline also jumps between chapters, telling the story in a nonlinear but coherent and compelling way. The more I read, the more I realized that this is an epic saga, spanning over 50 years, with a multitude of characters and perspectives that all coalesce into one sweeping story.
The descriptions of the scenery, of facial expressions, of situations, are so incredibly vivid, with just the right amount of detail to put you right into the middle of the story. I've also acquired many new vocabulary words from this book, which I always welcome.
Learning about the characters' backstories is almost like reading about their past lives. Each phase is so different and defining, altering the characters' lives permanently. At its core, this book highlights the most pivotal moments in each character's life, in a nonlinear manner. All of the characters and scenarios are incredibly relatable and realistic. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.