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ellipsiscool's review against another edition
5.0
Like many other reviewers here, I absolutely loved, "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry." There's just something about a long title that gets me all excited. So when I saw Rachel Joyce was publishing another novel, I was intrigued despite it's very short title.
I'll admit that I listened to this book on Playaway audio instead of reading it the traditional way. The gentleman who read it did an excellent job. A poor reader can destroy a book so I was quite lucky to get a good one.
Anyway, I found "Perfect" to be quite wonderful. I can see the characters quite clearly and the turns of phrase Joyce is so good at are still ringing in my ears. The twist at the end did in fact surprise me, which doesn't happen often. Truth be told I think I was too engrossed in the character development to think in about where the plot was going which is exactly what i want in a book.
In hindsight, the whole structure of "Perfect" is really quite brilliant. The way the two plot lines run parallel to each other while one improves and the other completely falls apart is very clever, especially at the end when they converge.
I'll say no more for fear of spoilers, but will end by saying that "Perfect" is well worth the read!
I'll admit that I listened to this book on Playaway audio instead of reading it the traditional way. The gentleman who read it did an excellent job. A poor reader can destroy a book so I was quite lucky to get a good one.
Anyway, I found "Perfect" to be quite wonderful. I can see the characters quite clearly and the turns of phrase Joyce is so good at are still ringing in my ears. The twist at the end did in fact surprise me, which doesn't happen often. Truth be told I think I was too engrossed in the character development to think in about where the plot was going which is exactly what i want in a book.
In hindsight, the whole structure of "Perfect" is really quite brilliant. The way the two plot lines run parallel to each other while one improves and the other completely falls apart is very clever, especially at the end when they converge.
I'll say no more for fear of spoilers, but will end by saying that "Perfect" is well worth the read!
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Review of a Netgalley review copy.
It's very likely that, like me, you are interested in this book because you loved Joyce's debut - The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
It's always a bit of a risk, taking a chance on an unknown author. But Joyce has guaranteed herself a willing and eager audience after creating the wonderful Harold.
Perfect is a very different book to her first. That's not to say it's not as good. I think it's probably better in fact. Structurally, character development and reveals, use of chronology, social comments, all feel superior and more mature. That said, I may still say Harold still trumps it in my mind for its likeability and wonderful central idea.
Perfect is a darker story. Centring on Byron and James, two young boys in the 1970s, it follows them on the day two seconds are added to time and what happens after events during those two seconds can't be taken back. There are some wonderful adult characters - both Byron's parents are fantastic creations, his father an old-fashioned, stern and cold man, his mother a loving, more carefree person to whom Byron feels protective.
I didn't really feel much of a sense of the period through the book, the occasional cultural and fashion reference aside, but it's a story that could take place in any era. A second story runs alongside Byron's, that of an adult called Jim who has been bouncing back and forth from some sort of mental institution and trying to make a life for himself wiping tables in a cafe and forming relationships with his co-workers.
There are a few little shocks and a few pauses for thought, some memorable characters and in general, some excellent writing.
Don't expect more of the same from Harold Fry - but that's not a bad thing. For me, it's lovely to see writers exploring different genres, and Perfect is a very powerful read.
It's very likely that, like me, you are interested in this book because you loved Joyce's debut - The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
It's always a bit of a risk, taking a chance on an unknown author. But Joyce has guaranteed herself a willing and eager audience after creating the wonderful Harold.
Perfect is a very different book to her first. That's not to say it's not as good. I think it's probably better in fact. Structurally, character development and reveals, use of chronology, social comments, all feel superior and more mature. That said, I may still say Harold still trumps it in my mind for its likeability and wonderful central idea.
Perfect is a darker story. Centring on Byron and James, two young boys in the 1970s, it follows them on the day two seconds are added to time and what happens after events during those two seconds can't be taken back. There are some wonderful adult characters - both Byron's parents are fantastic creations, his father an old-fashioned, stern and cold man, his mother a loving, more carefree person to whom Byron feels protective.
I didn't really feel much of a sense of the period through the book, the occasional cultural and fashion reference aside, but it's a story that could take place in any era. A second story runs alongside Byron's, that of an adult called Jim who has been bouncing back and forth from some sort of mental institution and trying to make a life for himself wiping tables in a cafe and forming relationships with his co-workers.
There are a few little shocks and a few pauses for thought, some memorable characters and in general, some excellent writing.
Don't expect more of the same from Harold Fry - but that's not a bad thing. For me, it's lovely to see writers exploring different genres, and Perfect is a very powerful read.
enaria's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
4.25
alidottie's review against another edition
3.0
There was a sweetness (poignancy) to this book, but it was not an enjoyable read for me. I found myself less caring about what was going to happen to the characters and more eager for the book to be over! Does not rise to the level of her last book (The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry).
5/6/14--Here I am three and half weeks after reading this book--having read several other books in the meantime--and I found myself thinking of this book multiple times!! I think I undervalued this book if it stuck with me so much I think it is at LEAST a 3 and a half stars book!
5/6/14--Here I am three and half weeks after reading this book--having read several other books in the meantime--and I found myself thinking of this book multiple times!! I think I undervalued this book if it stuck with me so much I think it is at LEAST a 3 and a half stars book!
lara16's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
oliviajoreads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
esmith11's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
alrightcalv's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Really loved this although felt like a particularly character didn't get their comeuppance! Flew through this as I wanted to know what happens. Desperately sad story, but hopeful. Good read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Suicide, and Death of parent