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sophiecole's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-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
4.5
A funny, slightly disturbing book about a mentally unstable pigeon-catching linguist is bound to be one i like. Amazingly precise and funny writing, with characters that made me feel genuinely upset. Nice. Surprising ending.
scc's review against another edition
4.0
This was a slower read for me, I often find the first part of her books a bit of a chore but then the second half/ ending are brilliant.
A book full of self obsessed friends, all very dramatic - love affairs and big conversations. The ending completely took me by surprise. Audibly gasped!
Some dated language but otherwise very entertaining. I’d love to see it as a film.
A book full of self obsessed friends, all very dramatic - love affairs and big conversations. The ending completely took me by surprise. Audibly gasped!
Some dated language but otherwise very entertaining. I’d love to see it as a film.
tradepaperback's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
pattieod's review against another edition
5.0
I should have a "re-read" shelf, and this would be on it. I read it as a teenager, and was thrilled by what she did with her characters. I'd like to re-visit it as an adult, and see what else was there that I missed.
carlaabra's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I liked the author’s unique way of writing dialogue. The plot was interesting but way too drawn out for my tastes. Also wasn’t a fan of the ambiguous ending. Characters were fine, not terribly likable and perhaps a little simple - but the gem of the book was the intricate webs of relationships between them. Things got complicated VERY quickly.
I found everything about Morgan detestable, especially her brief dalliance with Peter. Gross. Also a lot of character history was touched on but never explained - Tallis’ “sister” and his “epilepsy”/ seeing things moving, or were those just insects? Why the hell did Morgan ever marry Tallis? Why was Peter so angry at his dad? Wtf was up with Leonard other than providing an oppressive cynicism? Why was Axel so callous constantly? Why was Simon so hung up on Morgan? Etc etc
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Death, Racial slurs, and Alcohol
Minor: Abortion
samhanson's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jamvb1467's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
vanpet106's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cinnamoncharlotte's review against another edition
reflective
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
4.0
fascinating and brutal, but slow and occasionally difficult to get through. feels like watching a car crash in slow motion but no one can deny murdoch’s exceptional prose