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jesslolsen's review against another edition
4.0
I don't often read novels this long - in fact I usually deliberately and stay away from them because I get so time-poor, but I'm glad I persevered with this one.
It is a very intelligently written story, yet I never felt that I was unable to keep up with it.
I loved the characters and how their stories were woven together, and I didn't see the twists at the end coming which is refreshing.
It is a very intelligently written story, yet I never felt that I was unable to keep up with it.
I loved the characters and how their stories were woven together, and I didn't see the twists at the end coming which is refreshing.
punkkat64's review against another edition
I did not enjoy this book. The characters were hard to care about out. Felt pretentious
emiliemae's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
greybeard49's review against another edition
5.0
A huge slow burner of a book. The author gradually sucks you in through the quality of his writing, his intriguing characterisation and the clever development of the plot. Thi
It is a deeply intellectual experience and deals with many of the important psychological and philosophical issues which impinge on the human experience.
You read on hungrily wanting to know what happens to the main protagonists. The author winds everything up in the conclusion to this great book.
It is a deeply intellectual experience and deals with many of the important psychological and philosophical issues which impinge on the human experience.
You read on hungrily wanting to know what happens to the main protagonists. The author winds everything up in the conclusion to this great book.
zwyrdish's review against another edition
4.0
This is the most intelligent piece of fiction I have read in a very long time. I was well into the first section (or should I say, ambiguity?) before I could have said with any certainty that I would finish the book, but by the beginning of the second section I was hooked and my fascination continued to grow as I progressed from one section to the next. Finally, I could not put it down - and yet, it was not suspenseful or thrilling in any traditional sense. I think I had become so involved in the story and the characters that I needed to see it through to the end, to satisfy my curiosity.
I loved the writing, though, and will definitely look for more of this author.
I loved the writing, though, and will definitely look for more of this author.
sarahbrowell's review against another edition
4.0
I was a little intimidated by the length, but the structure and the writing style as well as the incredible character development make you wish the 600 pages didn’t end there. Some of the most eloquent and heartbreaking prose I have ever read, especially in Part VII. I’m not someone who annotates books, but i found myself grabbing a pen to underline passages.
terrypaulpearce's review against another edition
5.0
If you love big, beautiful messes of books like The Goldfinch, 4321, A Suitable Boy and A Little Life, you might join me in wondering why this book isn't better-known. It's a bit more intellectual than some of those stablemates, and it really does make you think. It takes risks with your affections. It makes you question your sympathies. The title suggests nothing will be too easy or have only one reading, and it really ploughs this furrow well, making you turn the pages and turn it over and over long after you've turned the last page.
mldias's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not worthy of reviewing a book like this. Really. Seven Types of Ambiguity is huge, both physically and contextually.
Read this book if:
--You like Rashomon-like explorations of the subjective nature of truth.
--You like overlapping narratives that do more to obfuscate a given event than illuminate it.
--Deep characterization is your bag.
--You have ever harbored even a passing interest in critical theory.
--You love Billie Holliday.
--You are are passionate about health care issues (this book explores Australia's shift to managed health care).
Do not read this book if:
--You like morally unambiguous characters who are always on their best behavior.
--You have a short attention span.
--You hate ambiguity (and, really, the title should tip you off there).
--You like concrete, "big-red-bow" endings.
What else can I say, really?
Read this book if:
--You like Rashomon-like explorations of the subjective nature of truth.
--You like overlapping narratives that do more to obfuscate a given event than illuminate it.
--Deep characterization is your bag.
--You have ever harbored even a passing interest in critical theory.
--You love Billie Holliday.
--You are are passionate about health care issues (this book explores Australia's shift to managed health care).
Do not read this book if:
--You like morally unambiguous characters who are always on their best behavior.
--You have a short attention span.
--You hate ambiguity (and, really, the title should tip you off there).
--You like concrete, "big-red-bow" endings.
What else can I say, really?
brandocalrissian83's review against another edition
5.0
Elliot Pearlman does a fantastic job of marrying an in depth story with rich character development. A thriller that keep you on the edge. All three acts are marvelous but the prestige was incredible!