I agree with your review on that last section and the ending. I liked this one, but not as much as others do. It’s in the bottom three of my rankings. I’ve only got Stone Yard Devotional left on the shortlist. I’m excited that I will be able to finish in time.
I struggled with this one. It had some good moments and lots of interesting ideas and themes, but what you said about the "end of the ending," this very easy plot resolution, I found to be a problem throughout the book. I thought I understood the Isa of the first part, but psychologically, I don't understand the transition to the love story in the second part and her reactions in the last part. I have now read 5 out of 6 shortlisted novels (with only Held still missing), but it's still number 3 for me, because it was at least more interesting and partly enjoyable to read than Orbital and Creation Lake. I hope Held will be good, or I'll end up with only two shortlisted books (James and Stone Yard Devotional) that I actually thought were good.
It really has been a mixed bag this year, huh? One universally loved book, and five very polarizing ones. It’s going to be interesting to see who wins for sure.
I have Safekeeping and Stoneyard reserved at the library but there are still 20 people ahead of me😮. Don’t think I will get them before the announcement.
Oh no!!! Its ok though! I am still working on the shortlist for the International Booker if it makes you feel better! For some reason it has been difficult to get my hands on the nominated books for prizes this year and I’m behind too. I wanted to do more with The National Book award on my channel this year but decided against it because the waitlists are too long. Hopefully you get them sooner than you think 😊
I honestly don’t think you missed anything on the last page. It’s not very exciting. Haha. It kind of just ends and the real ending for me happened a few pages earlier. After such a twist, the actual ending is definitely lacking.
I haven’t read this one yet, I’ve heard so much about it that I feel I have! Another great review.
So happy you enjoyed it! It is my top 3 contenders for the winner
I agree with your review on that last section and the ending. I liked this one, but not as much as others do. It’s in the bottom three of my rankings. I’ve only got Stone Yard Devotional left on the shortlist. I’m excited that I will be able to finish in time.
Yay! I’m about 1/3 of the way through my last one, Playground. It feels good to almost be done.
So glad you loved it! It’s one of my faves of the year.
So good!!!! It’s what I expect a Booker book to be.
Loved the book. I figured out the plot twist...but still loved it.
The great writing definitely made up for its predictability.
I have it and will get to it before the end of the year
I struggled with this one. It had some good moments and lots of interesting ideas and themes, but what you said about the "end of the ending," this very easy plot resolution, I found to be a problem throughout the book. I thought I understood the Isa of the first part, but psychologically, I don't understand the transition to the love story in the second part and her reactions in the last part.
I have now read 5 out of 6 shortlisted novels (with only Held still missing), but it's still number 3 for me, because it was at least more interesting and partly enjoyable to read than Orbital and Creation Lake. I hope Held will be good, or I'll end up with only two shortlisted books (James and Stone Yard Devotional) that I actually thought were good.
It really has been a mixed bag this year, huh? One universally loved book, and five very polarizing ones. It’s going to be interesting to see who wins for sure.
I have Safekeeping and Stoneyard reserved at the library but there are still 20 people ahead of me😮. Don’t think I will get them before the announcement.
Oh no!!! Its ok though! I am still working on the shortlist for the International Booker if it makes you feel better! For some reason it has been difficult to get my hands on the nominated books for prizes this year and I’m behind too. I wanted to do more with The National Book award on my channel this year but decided against it because the waitlists are too long. Hopefully you get them sooner than you think 😊
I've just finished the book now. But I couldn't understand the last page, the final. I feel like I've missed something
I honestly don’t think you missed anything on the last page. It’s not very exciting. Haha. It kind of just ends and the real ending for me happened a few pages earlier. After such a twist, the actual ending is definitely lacking.
Hi Gretchen. Have you read The Covenant of Water? I would love to hear your thoughts. Love your reviews. They're so helpful.
Not yet! It’s on my TBR though. Once I get to it I will definitely talk about it.
Yay!😊