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bookmaven17's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
salgalruns's review against another edition
3.0
I read this for my face to face book club, and after the first 20 pages, I was hooked! I had fallen in love with the characters and the setting, and couldn't wait to get back to reading. This was particularly interesting, because when we met for book club, all of us had read to the halfway point (oddly enough) and all felt the same way!
I then rushed home to finish the remainder of the book, and found that what I adored in the first half actually turned to an irritation in the second half.
I think this is why the character of Caroline was more appealing to me - she seemed to be the grounded one for Angelene and didn't shy too much away from telling her what was going on, or pointed out to Talmadge what he should do. Why neither adult found it necessary to ensure she went to school though, is still a mystery to me.
Perhaps the personality traits were ones that Coplin was aiming for - they are secluded, limited in their education, and with limited social interactions of any sort. The non-communicative styles of several characters seem to be a theme of sorts.
I also have to comment on the ending. I don't really know what I was looking for, but it just sort of...ended. I was somewhat underwhelmed, which is a bummer, because I actually loved Coplin's writing style. Her descriptions of the orchards and of Washington in general seemed to be spot on and actually transported me there easily.
I will be curious to see what others thought of this book - did it remind anyone of Steinbeck at all?
I then rushed home to finish the remainder of the book, and found that what I adored in the first half actually turned to an irritation in the second half.
Spoiler
Talmadge, in the first half, is a protector, a gentle giant, and someone who looks out for the girls he meets. However, while his character really doesn't change, the fact that he hardly talks to people, doesn't ever open up, and doesn't share key pieces of information with Angelene really irritated me. I also found it frustrating that his character basically ignored those close by at times, only to focus his efforts on the unreachable. I know it was mentioned that perhaps Della needed him more, but so did Angelene.I think this is why the character of Caroline was more appealing to me - she seemed to be the grounded one for Angelene and didn't shy too much away from telling her what was going on, or pointed out to Talmadge what he should do. Why neither adult found it necessary to ensure she went to school though, is still a mystery to me.
Perhaps the personality traits were ones that Coplin was aiming for - they are secluded, limited in their education, and with limited social interactions of any sort. The non-communicative styles of several characters seem to be a theme of sorts.
I also have to comment on the ending. I don't really know what I was looking for, but it just sort of...ended. I was somewhat underwhelmed, which is a bummer, because I actually loved Coplin's writing style. Her descriptions of the orchards and of Washington in general seemed to be spot on and actually transported me there easily.
I will be curious to see what others thought of this book - did it remind anyone of Steinbeck at all?
kimmaloo's review against another edition
2.0
This book is about the characters. I didn't feel attached to any of them or their stories.
sophienaumoff's review against another edition
5.0
This book was such a treat. I enjoyed the authors writing so much; the descriptiveness is what made this book a 5/5. The characters and beautiful setting were something I won’t forget any time soon!!
bibliobrandie's review against another edition
2.0
This is a story of grief. There are few moments of happiness. If that's your thing, this is the book for you.
The person who recommended it said that they wish they could stay in the orchard; the landscape and the time period are so vividly portrayed that you do get a sense you are there with the characters. And for the most part, I enjoyed getting to know the characters in the beginning. Those first 200 pages were enjoyable, but midway through the novel I wondered why I continued reading. There are some uncomfortable scenes and crimes thrown in for plot interest, I guess. The characters all started to annoy me. I was really perplexed by the ending. Did this need to be 426 pages? I don't think so. Those first 200 would have been great.
If this were made into a movie, Bright Eyes would do the soundtrack.
The person who recommended it said that they wish they could stay in the orchard; the landscape and the time period are so vividly portrayed that you do get a sense you are there with the characters. And for the most part, I enjoyed getting to know the characters in the beginning. Those first 200 pages were enjoyable, but midway through the novel I wondered why I continued reading. There are some uncomfortable scenes and crimes thrown in for plot interest, I guess. The characters all started to annoy me. I was really perplexed by the ending. Did this need to be 426 pages? I don't think so. Those first 200 would have been great.
If this were made into a movie, Bright Eyes would do the soundtrack.
peaknit's review against another edition
5.0
A delightfully quiet, yet meaningful, enjoyable read. Many devastating things happen, but it is so thoughtful. The characters are mostly very likable and often the meaning seems to be in what they do not what they say. It is comparable to Edgar Sawtelle to me, tragic in some ways, but a beautiful unhurried, story.
ttodd86's review against another edition
4.0
A lot to think about here related to our relationships with each other and the places we call home. The only thing holding it back from five stars for me was the pacing at a couple points, most likely due to my dwindling attention span than anything on the part of the writer.
This book will win awards.
This book will win awards.
johnbyers1500's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
Unpacking car lummi