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rachelp's review against another edition
3.0
This is a book about a book, or a book within a book. It begins when two women meet each other at the park as they are watching their children. Deborah lends Toby a book called Trolley Girl, and their friendship begins. The Book Borrower follows their friendship through the years, and as Toby reads Trolley Girl, you get to read it, too.
emschim24's review against another edition
1.0
It seems the more I read the more frequently I find books that I cannot seem to finish. I regret the decision to start this book and that I made it 30 pages in before I just couldn't take it anymore.
darcijo's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't enjoy the choppy writing style of this book. Parts were okay, but overall I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
joyful808's review against another edition
1.0
This is my least favorite book I've ever read. I didn't like the narrative or the confusing character placement. I couldn't tell if the story was in 1st person, 2nd person, 3rd person. . .
lorraine_b's review against another edition
4.0
The story is set in Boston and begins in the 1970's. Toby and Elizabeth meet at the park while there with their children and form a lifetime friendship. Toby who is an avid reader is given a book by Elizabeth called "Trolley Girl" and hence begins the "bookception" if you will, a book-within-a-book.
"Trolley Girl" is made to believe it's based on a true account of a union activist in the 1920's in Boston. It tells her story of tragic events that changes the lives her she and her family.
I felt the character development in this story was superb. Toby and Elizabeth's friendship spans the decades from when their children are infants until they are grown. Definitely one of the best books I've read about a friendship. It was believable and palpable.
As I began this book I found it difficult to follow due to the unusual dialogue construction. Fighting it at first it was beyond frustrating but once I grew accustomed to this style it became easier to follow. I would recommend this a book to a true reader. Someone who loves reading simply for the sake of reading.
How I acquired this book: Half-price books
Shelf life: Guessing more than 4 years
"Trolley Girl" is made to believe it's based on a true account of a union activist in the 1920's in Boston. It tells her story of tragic events that changes the lives her she and her family.
I felt the character development in this story was superb. Toby and Elizabeth's friendship spans the decades from when their children are infants until they are grown. Definitely one of the best books I've read about a friendship. It was believable and palpable.
As I began this book I found it difficult to follow due to the unusual dialogue construction. Fighting it at first it was beyond frustrating but once I grew accustomed to this style it became easier to follow. I would recommend this a book to a true reader. Someone who loves reading simply for the sake of reading.
How I acquired this book: Half-price books
Shelf life: Guessing more than 4 years
yangyvonne's review against another edition
2.0
Kind of a story within a story, this book deals with Toby and Deborah (two women) who meet in a park in the 1970's and become fast friends. Deb gives Toby a book her husband wanted her to read and Toby gets to a disturbing part abut a trolley strike, stops, and loses the book for 20 years. Deb dies in a car crash and Toby finds herself lost - but now the subject of the book appears in their life through her son, Peter - who is mad for Deb's daughter, Mary Grace. In the end, the book and the present day conflicts resolve through each other and all are at peace.
I like the basic concept of moving a story by inserting another story. However, the present-day tale should be more interesting - and here it wasn't. The relationship between Deb and Toby was complicated, but not at all interesting. I found myself wanting to "flash back" to the trolley story. I also liked how Berry turned out to be Jessie from the book - very 360 degree type stuff. Very Neo-feminist with short shrift given to the male characters.
I like the basic concept of moving a story by inserting another story. However, the present-day tale should be more interesting - and here it wasn't. The relationship between Deb and Toby was complicated, but not at all interesting. I found myself wanting to "flash back" to the trolley story. I also liked how Berry turned out to be Jessie from the book - very 360 degree type stuff. Very Neo-feminist with short shrift given to the male characters.
naomistrange's review against another edition
3.0
I do not like Alice Mattison's writing style. It is rather choppy and she really didn't give any reason to want to give two shits about her characters. It took me a very long time to actually CARE about her characters, nearly until the end of the book. That's bad writing if you ask me. Anyway, the book ended up being ok. It was a study of women and their friendships with each other. It was ok, I don't know if I would recommend it to others, but I am glad I finished it. I am not sure I'd read any of her other work just because her writing style really isn't that great to me.
chidseaotters's review against another edition
4.0
The style reminded me of Margaret Atwood. I like books that surprise me.