Scan barcode
breadandmushrooms's review
dark
emotional
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
3.0
jess_mango's review
3.0
Marguerite Duras is perhaps best known for her novel [b:The Lover|275|The Lover|Marguerite Duras|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1423329337l/275._SY75_.jpg|1009849], which I have on my to-read list but haven't yet read. (someday!) When I was offered the chance to review The Impudent Ones, which has been newly translated into English, I figured this could be my intro to Duras.
Set in France in the first half of the 20th century, the novel explores social standings and expectations, reputation and consequences. At the center of the story is a family with two young adults, Maud and her brother. Maud is coming of age and eager for love. There is a lot of talk about marriage and a proper match. Maud makes some choices that wind up with her being in a less than ideal situation.
I wanted to connect more with this novel but it was missing a bit of an oomph factor for me that perhaps Duras acquired in her later works. I definitely still plan on reading Duras' previously translated works because I did enjoy her writing style. I can see why [a:Elena Ferrante|44085|Elena Ferrante|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_50x66-6a03a5c12233c941481992b82eea8d23.png] is compared to her.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
Set in France in the first half of the 20th century, the novel explores social standings and expectations, reputation and consequences. At the center of the story is a family with two young adults, Maud and her brother. Maud is coming of age and eager for love. There is a lot of talk about marriage and a proper match. Maud makes some choices that wind up with her being in a less than ideal situation.
I wanted to connect more with this novel but it was missing a bit of an oomph factor for me that perhaps Duras acquired in her later works. I definitely still plan on reading Duras' previously translated works because I did enjoy her writing style. I can see why [a:Elena Ferrante|44085|Elena Ferrante|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_50x66-6a03a5c12233c941481992b82eea8d23.png] is compared to her.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
colorfulleo92's review
3.0
3.5 stars. In one hand I really enjoyed it and it feelt like a 4 stars or more. Very lyrical and beautiful but could in the other hand feel rather tedious and to much for me. So I'll give it a 3.5 stars.
100reads's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Early Duras. Boring compared to later works.
samarakroeger's review
maybe there’s a reason no one bothered translating this into English for so long.
an adolescent novel from a writer who undoubtedly only went up from here, The Impudent Ones didn’t really know what it was trying to be. the themes were there, but with a total lack of interesting plot or characterization. frequently it just didn’t make much sense and I partially blamed myself for tuning out a bit but maybe that’s the more telling aspect here.
I want to read more Duras, but there’s no reason for me to finish this deeply mediocre book and potentially taint my views on her work.
an adolescent novel from a writer who undoubtedly only went up from here, The Impudent Ones didn’t really know what it was trying to be. the themes were there, but with a total lack of interesting plot or characterization. frequently it just didn’t make much sense and I partially blamed myself for tuning out a bit but maybe that’s the more telling aspect here.
I want to read more Duras, but there’s no reason for me to finish this deeply mediocre book and potentially taint my views on her work.
edlin314's review against another edition
3.0
I remember liking parts of the book but I barely remember what it was about. I think the writing was good and The Lover is definitely on my tbr.
sammilynnebob's review
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
cynthiak's review against another edition
3.0
Le premier roman de Duras qui préfigure son chef-d'oeuvre, Un barrage contre le Pacifique : on y retrouve l'amour de la terre natale paternelle et la dynamique familiale malsaine.
callmeamelia's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75