Reviews

The Final Solution by Michael Chabon, Jay Ryan

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! 

xmcfly19's review

slow-paced

2.0

jimbo1066's review against another edition

mysterious slow-paced

• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

jenbo's review against another edition

informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

3.25

eelsmac's review against another edition

challenging funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

2.75

lucidstyle's review against another edition

3.0

Eloquent and richly written. A bit contrived (to me, most mysteries, even the "great" Sherlock Holmes can be a bit so), but given the advance warning that it's a "story of detection" it is allowable. Chabon once again shows his abilities as a writer to put on different coats and be successful in different communication or storytelling styles. Splendid imagery, metaphors for the holocaust, and full consideration of both the time period and environment are accomplished in this novella. Delightful "twist" in telling near the end ;)

bennought's review against another edition

5.0

Beautiful, clever, funny. Chabon riffs on the Sherlock Holmes mythos in his characteristically intelligent and slightly-askance way. An 89-year-old, retired Holmes is presented with a new mystery to solve involving an amusing cast of eccentric characters. Of course, he is able to regain his failing sleuthing brilliance, bringing justice to the perpetrator of the crime. A fast, but great, read, well-worth the couple of hours it takes to finish.

decretaro's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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

avareadsoccasionally's review against another edition

adventurous relaxing fast-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? No

5.0

I really liked it! Quick read and beautiful prose.