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historyofjess's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Having really been taken by the film adaptation of this book, I wasn't sure what to expect, given that the movie had a strong emphasis on mood, tone and visual style. Well, I friggin' loved it. While the core story and characters are the same, there's just a lot more meat on the bone here. It's a lovely companion piece to the equally beautiful film. The book takes you far into Therese's queer awakening in an incredibly emotional and compelling way. And I loved that, while Carol is introduced as this gorgeous, enigmatic woman, she doesn't stay the dreamgirl throughout the novel, she's allowed to be a real person with flaws. It's also just gorgeously written. Truly, such a treat.
orangeburrito's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Is it just me or did Carol and Therese have no chemistry?
Whoever says the writing is great clearly isn't referring to the prose because please figure out writing rhythm, you don't need to describe every single mundane action (She bought one can. There was coffee in the thermos. She put the beer can on the floor.)
The ending was bittersweet, I was hoping Carol's terrible husband would get run over by a thirteen-wheeler before the divorce proceedings concluded but no such luck.
Despite its flaws I only read this book in 150-page sprints, as if out of morbid curiosity.
Whoever says the writing is great clearly isn't referring to the prose because please figure out writing rhythm, you don't need to describe every single mundane action (She bought one can. There was coffee in the thermos. She put the beer can on the floor.)
The ending was bittersweet, I was hoping Carol's terrible husband would get run over by a thirteen-wheeler before the divorce proceedings concluded but no such luck.
Despite its flaws I only read this book in 150-page sprints, as if out of morbid curiosity.
frandelaney's review against another edition
emotional
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
this book felt like a rollercoaster, took me ages to get through as i found therese to be so unlikeable and childish at the start (forgetting that she was 19), that i just got in a slump with this the book. the past couple of days reading this though has been enchanting i loved reading therese’s character arc of change and becoming settled as a woman. her thoughts became more genuine and less obsessive.
probably won’t read it again but it’s definitely a breath of fresh air to get a happy ending.
probably won’t read it again but it’s definitely a breath of fresh air to get a happy ending.
a_lin_a20's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-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? Yes
5.0
margardenlady's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
It's easy to see why this one is a cult classic. It's a stylish tale of forbidden love, dawning self awareness and bucking conventions. Carol meets Therese at a department store and a spark is ignited. Before long, the two are nearly inseparable companions, although their communities are unaware of their growing relationship. Then there is a road trip and some reckoning.
maddb_96's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
3.0
I liked that it had a happy, or at least hopeful ending and I’m glad she realised quickly that Genevieve would never be the same as Carol but found it kind of weird that that was the moment when she realised she did truly love Carol.
meaghuds's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
24carrotgay's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
this book had me hooked from the start. i watched the movie prior to reading the book, and i admire the movie for its alignment with the story. however, as usual, the book was better! this story is about love, the complexity of loving in a way the world isn’t ready to accept, infatuation, accepting yourself and the growing pains that accompany it all. this story is utterly human, which makes it familiar and cozy and all the more heartbreaking and uplifting. i adore this book!
forg3y's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Slow burn for sure but just the most perfect ending I could have ever dreamed up. A lot of growth, a lot of love, a lot of “yes.”