Scan barcode
mellonpoint2's review
4.0
I really enjoyed the narrative in this book, how the perspective slowly transitioned over the course of the book starting from charlie than to Ede's than lilly's and back to charlie. The way the author showed the transition of Lilly's illness from subtle to violent and chaotic was very impactful and Charlie's depiction of her as a young boy, I feel conveyed a real sense of what it's like to live in such an environment. I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone who wants a smaller but thought-provoking book.
theediblewoman's review
2.0
I picked up this book because the back cover mentions “the outbreak of WWII” and “1939” and a young mans’ journey to discover the past and life of his mysterious mother. I am very into World War Two fiction. I am not at all into fiction set in the 1890s to late 1910s. 90% of this book was set in that time, which was not interesting for me to read in the least. Not only that, but there was no plot, and none of the characters were interesting or had any depth at all. I almost hated this book and I’m surprised that I finished it. I’m uselessly optimistic when it comes to books and I thought it might eventually turn around. Not to mention my guilt complex over not finishing books. It was slightly better towards the end because it was set in “modern” times. Still, I wouldn’t recommend this book and I don’t get the point of it. Too bad, because I quite liked some of Timothy Findlay’s other books
leahb88's review
dark
tense
slow-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
yeahdeadslow's review
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this book. At times I'd be thinking "When will it eeeeend?" and then there were these fascinating stretches and heartwarming bits that I really liked. 3.5 stars, je pense.
ldv's review
4.0
What I found most intriguing about this book is its narration. As a whole, it is narrated by the grandson of the "Piano Man" but he tells the story based on what he learned from his (grandson's) grandmother and mother (the title character) and his own observations. So the story really spans three generations.
I can't articulate what it was about this book that made me enjoy it. I chalk it up to a well-written and unique story with interesting characters. It's not difficult reading by any means, but it's not light and fluffy, either. It's literature! :)
I can't articulate what it was about this book that made me enjoy it. I chalk it up to a well-written and unique story with interesting characters. It's not difficult reading by any means, but it's not light and fluffy, either. It's literature! :)
More...