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fungiblefungus's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
aschriver771's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
icantwritegood's review against another edition
1.0
This book is a hate-crime made of paper. I'm only giving a star for Claire's character, AKA the only likeable one. Other than that, despite the writing itself being pleasant (if long-winded and unnecessary at points), the terrible representation of gay men and the p*dophilia that is associated with them throughout this story (and the uncomfortable attempts at romanticizing said p*dophilia) is disgusting and I regret picking this book up and giving it a chance. The character Tracy is a blatant p*dophile who constantly talks about wanting to "love a boy" etc. etc. There is no romance (illicit or otherwise) between Tracy and Noah, just a grown man taking advantage of a 15-year-old kid and an author trying desperately hard to make it seem artsy and sympathetic. Surprise, it didn't work. It really is a terrible story.
sparkleboymatty's review against another edition
2.0
I have mixed feelings about this one. It was good, but so overly long. I think that it could have easily been cut down. Another thing I wasn't fond of were the four narratives. I think it would have worked best if it had been just Noah's perspective, or perhaps Noah and Tracy. Having Louis and his wife as narrators too slowed down the book. Also none of the characters were particularly likeable. I enjoyed the ending, but it was a lot of work to get there.
svimm2056's review against another edition
4.0
I have mixed feelings about the ending. But, overall, I'm glad that there was some sort of compromise to make it feel alright. Awesome read altogether.
jemppu's review
5.0
Compellingly complicated and compassionate account throughout. Pure, regrettable, silently devastating, and touchingly human portrayal of self-regard and of regard for others.
The finely nuanced layers of self-deceptions in the inner conflicts of the various narrators are so recognizable of a susceptible individual perception; the constantly accumulating tiny self-justifications and affirmations (in)credibly believable of the thoughts and actions.
The characters' shared tendencies make the following of their contrasting approaches and mannerisms ceaselessly fascinating. The precarious treading on various boundaries is stirringly suspenseful, and where left unspoken, truly unsettling.
Persuasive, sympathetic and arresting account, of tumultuous inner workings beneath charming appearances.
Had me affected and entirely captivated.
(So much so, that I want to forgive the slightly overplayed conclusion, even).
The finely nuanced layers of self-deceptions in the inner conflicts of the various narrators are so recognizable of a susceptible individual perception; the constantly accumulating tiny self-justifications and affirmations (in)credibly believable of the thoughts and actions.
The characters' shared tendencies make the following of their contrasting approaches and mannerisms ceaselessly fascinating. The precarious treading on various boundaries is stirringly suspenseful, and where left unspoken, truly unsettling.
Persuasive, sympathetic and arresting account, of tumultuous inner workings beneath charming appearances.
Had me affected and entirely captivated.
(So much so, that I want to forgive the slightly overplayed conclusion, even).
phxkevin's review
3.0
Did you ever read a book where you tell the character not to go there, but they do anyway? That was this book.
My metaphor for a well written book where the author knows how to hook you in and be sympathetic to the characters, well at least some of them. I'm not so keen on being dragged through the muck, but at some point you are invested and want to see how it turns out.
Overall I have mixed feelings.
My metaphor for a well written book where the author knows how to hook you in and be sympathetic to the characters, well at least some of them. I'm not so keen on being dragged through the muck, but at some point you are invested and want to see how it turns out.
Overall I have mixed feelings.