Reviews

The Final Solution by Michael Chabon, Jay Ryan

phantom_librarian's review against another edition

challenging slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

1.5

I wanted this to focus more on the Jewish boy who fled Nazi Germany. He was almost an afterthought. I found the style, which I presume was to emulate that of Conan Doyle, to be so ponderous it was annoying. It obscured any enjoyment of the supposed story here.

elevy2's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

3.5

enbylievable's review against another edition

1.0

Difficult to follow, and way too verbose. At least it was a short read to boost my yearly challenge by +1.

historyofjess's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious 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? Yes

3.0

This was just fine. As always, I'm a big fan of Chabon's prose and his quirky storytelling, but the actual story and characters in this just didn't grip me that much.

trevoryan's review against another edition

2.0

I am surprised to not get much out of a Chabon book. Not much happens in this story. My least favorite Sherlock Holmes interpretation I've read.

ivaelo's review against another edition

3.0

Кратка криминална история в духа на Конън Дойл. Приятно четиво за разтуха, но и нищо толкова запомнящо се.

fhornby's review against another edition

3.0

Definitely a book that might do better in text form. I had some trouble following it as an audiobook.

zdkb24's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

t2readsstuff's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

Lovely.

emily7823's review against another edition

challenging informative mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.0

I love the old man, and the parrot in this book! I found the first half more interesting, and when the old man is questioning the suspects, it’s gold! 
The use of language, Chabon’s style of writing is dually a literary masterpiece and an arduous navigation of complex words and run-on sentences. 
The descriptions given, however, are detailed, realistic and imaginative. The wit sprinkled throughout is an appreciated and needed additive to the storyline. 
Chabon has done a great job with his research for this book, in his depiction setting the scene and of the characters’ behaviours, traits, nuances and faux pas. I would never have known he is American, he delivers a convincing British author’s story!