I can't believe Barbara didn't even own a Rhubarb shop. I agree with everything you said, except you put it far nicer and with far more politeness than I would have.
You are echoing the same feelings that several other booktubers are saying about this. Wanted to hear what your thoughts on it before deciding to pass on reading it ..decision made:)
adding to the general booktube consensus of this book (WHO IS BARBARA); for me it didn't work because, within the chapters, we were still jumping back and forth in time. an author like Alan Hollinghurst does the "temporal leap" really well because the exercise is trying to figure out how the characters got there, how their relationships have changed, etc. etc. Strange Eventful History feels like we just left pages on the cutting room floor
I agree with you. I was waiting to find out how Gaston returned to his family after the war, but that story line just vanished. I did like the writing and Denise was probably the most interesting character but it was a long book about not much. The reveal felt very unnecessary by the end of it, it didn't really change my perspective on the book.
I have not heard a positive review of this book yet. I don't think I will pick it up. My experience with Messud so far has been "meh" (The Emperor's Children) and "WOW" (The Woman Upstairs). Really enjoy your channel. Subscribing!
I’ll have to check out The Woman Upstairs. I can tell she is talented writer and hopefully this book will redeem her in my mind. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks for the open, honest review. Always enjoy following your centred, careful approach to discussion.
I can't believe Barbara didn't even own a Rhubarb shop.
I agree with everything you said, except you put it far nicer and with far more politeness than I would have.
Hahaha! I don’t know how I missed this comment. Politeness is my toxic trait…I’m working on it 😂
Love the Back to the future reference.
Hahaha! Thanks! It was definitely how I was feeling 😂🤣😂
I’m with you “who’s Barbara””😮
You are echoing the same feelings that several other booktubers are saying about this. Wanted to hear what your thoughts on it before deciding to pass on reading it ..decision made:)
adding to the general booktube consensus of this book (WHO IS BARBARA); for me it didn't work because, within the chapters, we were still jumping back and forth in time. an author like Alan Hollinghurst does the "temporal leap" really well because the exercise is trying to figure out how the characters got there, how their relationships have changed, etc. etc. Strange Eventful History feels like we just left pages on the cutting room floor
I have yet to pick up a Hollinghurst but I am excited to. I have heard nothing but good things.
I agree with you. I was waiting to find out how Gaston returned to his family after the war, but that story line just vanished. I did like the writing and Denise was probably the most interesting character but it was a long book about not much. The reveal felt very unnecessary by the end of it, it didn't really change my perspective on the book.
I have not heard a positive review of this book yet. I don't think I will pick it up. My experience with Messud so far has been "meh" (The Emperor's Children) and "WOW" (The Woman Upstairs). Really enjoy your channel. Subscribing!
I’ll have to check out The Woman Upstairs. I can tell she is talented writer and hopefully this book will redeem her in my mind. Thanks for the recommendation!
Your review nails it ! Whiplash !! Such a slog to read. Why on the longlist ?
I’m afraid it’s going to make the shortlist and I will be so sad if it does.
thank you. nice review. I had to dnf.
So it wasn’t just me?!!!! 😂🤣😂