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blueyorkie's review against another edition
4.0
To start with the ending, it is on this idea that this novel of Simone de Beauvoir opens, then we meander, with his and these ordinary heroes, in a time which is not it. The writing is fluid, no abruptness, unlike events.
saskiabeequeenreadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
A mix of a romance story with the politics of Paris before the second world war, as well as existential philosophy, made interesting and accessible through much of the dialogue. The only problem is that the main character is a bit too needy for love and nothing more in life, and her character development is primarily of the scene, alienating the reader for the journey. Nevertheless, I found the combination of tropes uniquely executed and had to force myself to put the book down, so I could savor the last 50 pages… I haven’t felt this exhilarated by and emotionally invested in a book in a while and have to admit that I cried at the end...
vespertineonly's review against another edition
5.0
another excellent writing making theory understandable and having an absolute contemporary reference. the story evolves existentialist theory by the evolution of those characters, the reader follows their decision making and the so frightening effects.
are we allowed to make decisions, should we and should we consider the effects on others? is that guilt too havy to bear? of course we have to, the alternative is being passive, not being, not living, rather being an ant among millions of others, accepting idology to make a statement for us. keeping our situation these days with religions being perverted and (unhuman) ideologies succeeding more every day in mind, this novel seems to outlay the innocent idea of being pacifistic and tolerant towards others, but never forgetting to stand up to everyones personal beliefs!
are we allowed to make decisions, should we and should we consider the effects on others? is that guilt too havy to bear? of course we have to, the alternative is being passive, not being, not living, rather being an ant among millions of others, accepting idology to make a statement for us. keeping our situation these days with religions being perverted and (unhuman) ideologies succeeding more every day in mind, this novel seems to outlay the innocent idea of being pacifistic and tolerant towards others, but never forgetting to stand up to everyones personal beliefs!
annablokker's review against another edition
5.0
This book was painful to read in the best possible way.
The philosophy understood me, Helene's pursuit of Jean hit home, and the war will never be an easy topic for me to look at. As much as I had to break and look away I was also engrossed. It is always good to read something that feels so true and so personal.
The philosophy understood me, Helene's pursuit of Jean hit home, and the war will never be an easy topic for me to look at. As much as I had to break and look away I was also engrossed. It is always good to read something that feels so true and so personal.
_mi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Abortion
Moderate: Death
purplcrosswords's review against another edition
5.0
This book didn't captivate me from page 1. Maybe because it starts close to the ending, mentioning characters that haven't even been introduced.
However, as soon as it initiated its tale, I was hooked. The characters are far from perfect, and you might dislike them at first. I know I did, and by the ending, the character I loathed the most had turned into my favourite character. The story grows in you, and so do the characters. When I finished reading this masterpiece, I was left completely heart broken.
However, as soon as it initiated its tale, I was hooked. The characters are far from perfect, and you might dislike them at first. I know I did, and by the ending, the character I loathed the most had turned into my favourite character. The story grows in you, and so do the characters. When I finished reading this masterpiece, I was left completely heart broken.
lauraspeechly's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The plot is hard to follow at times. I think that this is because the translation is not great.