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3.22 AVERAGE
3.22 AVERAGE
This book was only OK. The plot was interesting enough, but for some reason the style of writing didn't really grab me, and the characters seemed a bit flat. Nevertheless, I was motivated to keep reading--mostly just to see how the story turned out (which was also unsatisfactory!).
I really wanted to like this book...but it was just ok. I don't know if it was the writing or that I wanted it to go in a different direction.
It did teach me a little bit more about the exodus from the Soviet Union in the mid 70's. I didn't realize that after they left there, the refugees than needed to find a country (other than Israel) that would take them and that Italy was a haven for many.
It did teach me a little bit more about the exodus from the Soviet Union in the mid 70's. I didn't realize that after they left there, the refugees than needed to find a country (other than Israel) that would take them and that Italy was a haven for many.
This book is about a family plagued by years of conflict in their history, and yet the wars and civil unrest they endure is but flickering light of a story line in comparison to the that which describes how they deal with where they've come from, where they're going, and who they're trying to be.
Bezmozgis has a writing style that is reminiscent of Erik Larson in that each chapter alternates between the varying members of the Krasnansky family; that is until the last 100 pages where the story lines finally begin to merge. He also makes a nod (whether on purpose or not) to Marquez ala 'Love in the time of Cholera' in that he bridges periods of time in the present by telling stories and memories of the past. I struggled with this writing style at first, but became used to the ebb and flow as the novel progressed.
The Krasnansky's are a broken family filled with character flaws, though endearing all the same. Bezmozgis is cognizant not to explain in minute detail everything that happens, and instead lets the reader make their own conclusions as to the story's occurrences. This flows quite naturally as it brings to the reader's mind the very poignant reality that not everything can be perfectly explains; sometimes we just have to guess.
Bezmozgis has a writing style that is reminiscent of Erik Larson in that each chapter alternates between the varying members of the Krasnansky family; that is until the last 100 pages where the story lines finally begin to merge. He also makes a nod (whether on purpose or not) to Marquez ala 'Love in the time of Cholera' in that he bridges periods of time in the present by telling stories and memories of the past. I struggled with this writing style at first, but became used to the ebb and flow as the novel progressed.
The Krasnansky's are a broken family filled with character flaws, though endearing all the same. Bezmozgis is cognizant not to explain in minute detail everything that happens, and instead lets the reader make their own conclusions as to the story's occurrences. This flows quite naturally as it brings to the reader's mind the very poignant reality that not everything can be perfectly explains; sometimes we just have to guess.
I really enjoyed this book throughout, until the end. While there was nothing wrong with the ending and how the stories ended, I found it to be a bit rushed compared to the rest of the book, which had much more detail and elaboration on the characters and their internal struggles...but then, perhaps that was intentional given the circumstances (which I won't detail so as not to spoil the book for any future readers). Nonetheless, highly recommended, along with Bezmozgis' Natasha and Other Stories.
Characters are very human and flawed. Some wonderful one liners.
Bezmogis gives you a rich insight into the tensions and strains experienced by this family throughout the process of seeking out a new country to call home when it seems that no one wants you.
Bezmogis gives you a rich insight into the tensions and strains experienced by this family throughout the process of seeking out a new country to call home when it seems that no one wants you.
Didn't think I was going to like this at first but an enjoyable read. Sometimes the way of showing speech was annoying.
"The Betrayers" was excellent, so why not try this earlier work by the same author? And maybe it would be a good choice for the Hadassah book club.
Well. I have such ambiguous feelings. The author has chosen a subject that deserves documentation. He creates somewhat believable characters. He does a good job of managing the complicated time line.
But. But his characters are such embittered, damaged people. It's hard to LIKE any of them. And after a few hundred pages I couldn't wait for the book to reach its arbitrary, unsatisfying end so I could stop spending time with these selfish, sarcastic, argumentative souls.
The book raised one question for me. Several of the characters are communist party members. They sacrifice family because the party tells them to do so. How, how, how, can a political entity become a higher value than a cousin? And no, it's not just ambition to rise in the party. It's heart and soul commitment to an entity that will destroy you as coldly as it did your cousin. That makes no sense to me. Chime in if you can explain.
Well. I have such ambiguous feelings. The author has chosen a subject that deserves documentation. He creates somewhat believable characters. He does a good job of managing the complicated time line.
But. But his characters are such embittered, damaged people. It's hard to LIKE any of them. And after a few hundred pages I couldn't wait for the book to reach its arbitrary, unsatisfying end so I could stop spending time with these selfish, sarcastic, argumentative souls.
The book raised one question for me. Several of the characters are communist party members. They sacrifice family because the party tells them to do so. How, how, how, can a political entity become a higher value than a cousin? And no, it's not just ambition to rise in the party. It's heart and soul commitment to an entity that will destroy you as coldly as it did your cousin. That makes no sense to me. Chime in if you can explain.
I really struggled with this book, that felt at times like a history lesson, at others like a parody and at others like a satirical soap opera. I think it was an interesting portrayal of emigration and immigration at a period and place I know very little about, but had a really hard time connecting with the characters ....