Reviews

Wild and Distant Seas by Tara Karr Roberts

robinkaye's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

anniesprinkle's review

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adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

waitwhathelp's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

rosemwood's review

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4.0

This story uses one of Moby Dick's characters (Ishmael) and develops from there with 4 generations of headstrong women with special abilities. There are 5 parts and each represent each of the 4 generations and their POV. It flows well and comes full circle to the first generation. The writing is lyrical and atmospheric. It has a feeling of a slow read but it was a page turner for me and I couldn't put it down. One con is that each generation the women seem a bit about themselves and it was kind of a turn off.

shelliu13's review

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slow-paced

4.0

kaileehaong's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes

4.0

Great novel reexamining the tale Moby Dick in a female-centered lens. Interview with the author forthcoming. 

popelc6's review against another edition

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4.5

Wow. It's not an easy read and there were moments of "ARGH WHY WON'T THEY JUST TALK/WRITE/ASK" etc... but I was still impressed with this one. 

prynne31's review

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reflective medium-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

3.75

The writing was compelling. The premise was interesting. I liked Evangeline's storyline the best. 

Unfortunately, I don't think I was the right reader for this book. The multigenerational element really wasn't my favorite. Also, I wanted more Moby Dick, more seafaring, more Ishmael.

The characters were very unlikeable to me, which made it hard to root for them or empathize with some of the changes in their arcs. For instance,
Antonia is so motivated by her resentment toward her mother (which should have been resolved with a good heart-to-heart) and then forgives her so quickly. As the reader, I was still upset!


I wanted something closer in themes, style, atmosphere, etc., to Moby Dick and was disappointed that this book did not quite satisfy that itch.

exlibris_ariel's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

epruta's review

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adventurous emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5