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books_coffee_and_rain's review
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
madison_bernabe88's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sashapasha's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars.
Steinbeck is a genius at character writing. Each one of his characters is complex and fleshed out, even the minor ones. His writing is full of insights into the human psyche.
That said, this book is longgg and the plot is ancillary to the characters, meandering along as it follows their lives. It’s a textbook example of character-driven rather than plot-focused.
I’d say normally that’s my preferred style, but I didn’t get attached to any of the characters in that “must know what happens to them” kind of way. Still, it’s a worthwhile read, gives you plenty to think about with respect to family drama. I found the seemingly uncontrollable resentment among siblings due to differences in parental affection particularly resonant.
Steinbeck is a genius at character writing. Each one of his characters is complex and fleshed out, even the minor ones. His writing is full of insights into the human psyche.
That said, this book is longgg and the plot is ancillary to the characters, meandering along as it follows their lives. It’s a textbook example of character-driven rather than plot-focused.
I’d say normally that’s my preferred style, but I didn’t get attached to any of the characters in that “must know what happens to them” kind of way. Still, it’s a worthwhile read, gives you plenty to think about with respect to family drama. I found the seemingly uncontrollable resentment among siblings due to differences in parental affection particularly resonant.
bislacca's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
charleyh's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
yaakovakiva's review against another edition
5.0
This is my all time favorite book. It unflinchingly exposes everything that is both inheritently good and bad in people, and there still points in the reading of this book where I will read a passage and then sit somewhere quietly to really *think* about some of things that Steinbeck has to say about love and hate and the things that people do to one another and themselves. Many of the parallels between this book and my own life have helped to understand (if not necessarily forgive) the things that have happened in my life. Amazing book.
nickellekcin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
abi_cass19's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
cleothegreat's review against another edition
5.0
“There was a time when people kept their fly buttons fastened. And man’s freedom was boiling off. And even childhood was no good any more—not the way it was. No worry then but how to find a good stone, not round exactly but flattened and water-shaped, to use in a sling pouch cut from a discarded shoe. Where did all the good stones go, and all simplicity?”
wow this book gutted me. thou mayest :’(
wow this book gutted me. thou mayest :’(