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rosie_isenman's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
stevie_nickelback's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bookworm_rn's review against another edition
3.0
Wives in Saigon during the Vietnam war.
Welp, this wasn’t my most favorite book ever. I didn’t see the point of it at all, even at the end. It’s basically one lady telling another lady what happened between her and her mother when the other lady was a little girl. Not a ton of dialogue either so it’s not a quick read. It started off nicely and then just never got any better. Just a run of the mill book. I also didn’t like any of the characters so there’s that too.
Welp, this wasn’t my most favorite book ever. I didn’t see the point of it at all, even at the end. It’s basically one lady telling another lady what happened between her and her mother when the other lady was a little girl. Not a ton of dialogue either so it’s not a quick read. It started off nicely and then just never got any better. Just a run of the mill book. I also didn’t like any of the characters so there’s that too.
goflya61's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
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? No
4.0
ksjohns's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
3.75
cck13's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
The best book I’ve read this year. McDermott captures brilliantly the charge and challenge of expat life (some things don’t change — the book is primarily set in the early 1960s). The characters were captivating and genuine, even the relatively minor ones. Their feelings and inner lives came through vividly — in large part thanks to McDermott’s clear and beautiful writing. I was riveted up to the last page. A full and unequivocal five stars from me.
alexandra_dillard's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25