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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
Timing was perfect for this book. I was traveling across Europe - through Venice and Milan, so some of the travel parts really touched a chord.
Probably one of the greatest books ever written. Definitely changed the trajectory of my life. No notes.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
The first 80 pages I was sceptical, after that I was sold.
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I expected to like this more. But I need to sympathize with the main character, and even before he literally forgot the existence of his child and called her “it,” then abandoned his wife and children, I felt there was something off about him. He’s the narrator but he never says how he’s feeling, he seems to hardly ever speak, but just observes life from afar, judging everyone. The only time he expresses an opinion or involves himself in the story, it’s wrong. When Sebastian’s family is trying to keep him sober, Charles gives him money and covers for him while he goes drinking, all the while looking down on Sebastian’s family for trying to help him. When Marchmain decides to disinherit his older son, Charles says nothing. And the Marchmains do religion wrong; they act like the main tenant of Catholicism is to not divorce, but they seem to have no problem with adultery. I didn’t sympathize with any of them either, aside from poor Sebastian. The homosexual relationship between Charles and Sebastian was more than implied, such that when Charles shacked up with Julia, all I could think was that he’s slept with her brother! She seems to be aware and not disturbed by it but I thought it pretty awkward.
I’d love to chat with the author because I think he was trying to make a point here, or perhaps several points, but I didn’t manage to understand any of them. The only thing I got was that Sebastian’s turmoil, depression, and alcoholism is probably caused by his Catholic guilt over being homosexual. And through all of it I’m not sure how the author feels about religion. He seemed ambivalent but balance tipping towards “against.” Which is how I felt about this book.
I’d love to chat with the author because I think he was trying to make a point here, or perhaps several points, but I didn’t manage to understand any of them. The only thing I got was that Sebastian’s turmoil, depression, and alcoholism is probably caused by his Catholic guilt over being homosexual. And through all of it I’m not sure how the author feels about religion. He seemed ambivalent but balance tipping towards “against.” Which is how I felt about this book.
adventurous
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
reflective
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes