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actualresultsmayvary's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
God, it has taken me so long to read Oscar and Lucinda I feel as if I have been drowning in it.
Whilst it wasn't necessarily bad at all points, it was mostly boring with a slow meandering plot which in the end went no where and ended pointlessly. The side characters weren't given enough time for us to get to know or care about them but also weirdly frequently included in the plot. The narration by Oscar's great grandson also doesn't really make any sense and how would he know all that, and it adds nothing to the story.
The philosophical musings about religion and morality and human nature were mostly giving nothing. Though, I do think it well portrayed the ways in which we misunderstand each other's emotions and motivations and all tell ourselves very different stories about the same events.
The racism and homophobia was sort of criticised by Carey but not enough for the extent it was included.
On the whole reading this was probably an error and I feel like I have literally been journeying miserably across Australia with them.
katykelly's review against another edition
3.0
Readable / listenable 'modern classic' that didn't spark for me
I do try to sample Booker winners when they interest me, and the subject matter and time period sounded approachable. I was offered an Audible copy, so accessed this as an audiobook, a 20-hour listen.
From the beginning I found the narration very friendly, enthusiastic and easy to listen to, and there was humour in the early lives of preacher's son Oscar and future-heiress Lucinda, who both through their adolescent journeys, become gamblers.
It took nearly half the book for them to meet, and at that point my interest actually started waning a little. I was expecting the slightly lighter tone of the first half to continue.
The religion that early on had amused me and piqued my interest started to annoy me later on, and I was having trouble keeping up with the secondary characters' names and roles (a feat in itself in a long audiobook).
I don't think I connected with adult Oscar or Lucinda particularly. Though I'm glad to say I'm now familiar with the story and author, it's not one I'm going to recall, recommend or reread. I have come across many sagas I've been enraptured by, but this one just meandered to a finish without me feeling desperate to know the conclusion.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy, for an honest review.
I do try to sample Booker winners when they interest me, and the subject matter and time period sounded approachable. I was offered an Audible copy, so accessed this as an audiobook, a 20-hour listen.
From the beginning I found the narration very friendly, enthusiastic and easy to listen to, and there was humour in the early lives of preacher's son Oscar and future-heiress Lucinda, who both through their adolescent journeys, become gamblers.
It took nearly half the book for them to meet, and at that point my interest actually started waning a little. I was expecting the slightly lighter tone of the first half to continue.
The religion that early on had amused me and piqued my interest started to annoy me later on, and I was having trouble keeping up with the secondary characters' names and roles (a feat in itself in a long audiobook).
I don't think I connected with adult Oscar or Lucinda particularly. Though I'm glad to say I'm now familiar with the story and author, it's not one I'm going to recall, recommend or reread. I have come across many sagas I've been enraptured by, but this one just meandered to a finish without me feeling desperate to know the conclusion.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy, for an honest review.
melolivia17's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
larabavery's review against another edition
The writing was beautiful but there were too many useless side characters, unnecessary description, and detail. Not every book needs a thrilling plot but the indulgent pace of this one wore my patience thin.
kjmnn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow the ending
mcmvxxiii's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
celka's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nlgeorge73's review against another edition
5.0
Refreshingly original and multifaceted. Oscar and Lucinda are two captivating individuals with unconventional backgrounds. Peter Carey demonstrates amazing talent by bringing together these misfits via shared compulsions. What follows is a unpredictable sequence of events leading to an unforgettable journey culminating in an unimaginable conclusion. Fabulous read!
zoe243's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
eleanornd's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0