You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
earlyandalone 's review for:
Milostné pletky Nathaniela P.
by Adelle Waldman
I didn't want to read this book. In fact, I made a conscious effort to NOT add it to my "to read" shelf despite all the hype. But then, my friend lent it to me and told me it was a quick, fascinating read, and I had a trip coming up so...I read it.
I finished it in two plane trips, and my friend was right--it was a quick, fascinating, fun, and engaging book.
Why didn't I want to read it? I didn't want to read it because it was about a young male writer living in Brooklyn and treating women...not so well. Why would I want to read that? It seemed all too close to home. But, in spite of my doubts, what felt familiar actually worked in the book's favor, in my opinion.
Nate, the aforementioned young Brooklyn writer, can't seem to find what he wants in a relationship. He's dated quite a few women and things haven't always ended in the best way. But then he meets Hannah, and maybe this time it will be different. Even though the plot isn't all that interesting or novel, I found Waldman's portrayal of Nate pretty interesting. It's a book by a woman written from a man's perspective which is entirely convincing. At least it was to me. She manages to make Nate both unlikable and vaguely relateable at the same time. His hangups about writing, friendships, and women are petty and immature, but essentially human and compelling.
Waldman's writing is strong and her descriptions of Brooklyn and the literary circles Nate runs with are spot on.
I finished it in two plane trips, and my friend was right--it was a quick, fascinating, fun, and engaging book.
Why didn't I want to read it? I didn't want to read it because it was about a young male writer living in Brooklyn and treating women...not so well. Why would I want to read that? It seemed all too close to home. But, in spite of my doubts, what felt familiar actually worked in the book's favor, in my opinion.
Nate, the aforementioned young Brooklyn writer, can't seem to find what he wants in a relationship. He's dated quite a few women and things haven't always ended in the best way. But then he meets Hannah, and maybe this time it will be different. Even though the plot isn't all that interesting or novel, I found Waldman's portrayal of Nate pretty interesting. It's a book by a woman written from a man's perspective which is entirely convincing. At least it was to me. She manages to make Nate both unlikable and vaguely relateable at the same time. His hangups about writing, friendships, and women are petty and immature, but essentially human and compelling.
Waldman's writing is strong and her descriptions of Brooklyn and the literary circles Nate runs with are spot on.