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kellysings's review against another edition
5.0
"The past is a foreign country" is one of the best first lines of literature I've ever read. Gorgeous prose in general, and I love that it gives the story this sense of separation from the audience, especially through the guise of remembrance. I love how older Leo and the audience knows already what's going on but younger Leo doesn't, which adds a delicious tension to so many scenes that is entirely subtextual and up to the audience to pay attention to. Also, I love the metaphors of temperature and storms for passion and strong emotions. This book feels so layered and subtle that I will discover something new during each subsequent re-read.
kate_ne_s's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mdarceyhall's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. A quaint, elegant, and quiet novel that captures the naïveté, frustrations, and desires of adolescence, and the pain that results when one finally realizes the inelegance and fallibility of humans, including those we admire.
michelle_ltc's review against another edition
3.0
It’s a beautifully written story from a time long past when children were still naive into their teens. It reminded me of the sadness felt when a child learns the truth about the tooth fairy and Santa Claus.
tobsimobsi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
milrose_08's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The writing and descriptions were lovely in my opinion and I enjoyed the fact it was written from the perspective of a child, eager to please, who is forced to confront the realities of adult.
However, the most enticing aspect of this book was the atmosphere. The descriptions of the english countryside, the lives of the upper echelon, illicit affairs and deceit.
At times the novel did drag on, for instance the baseball scene was unnecessarily detailed, and I found myself completely lost when Leo started talking about the Zodiacs. The ending was slightly abrupt in my opinion but nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read.
However, the most enticing aspect of this book was the atmosphere. The descriptions of the english countryside, the lives of the upper echelon, illicit affairs and deceit.
At times the novel did drag on, for instance the baseball scene was unnecessarily detailed, and I found myself completely lost when Leo started talking about the Zodiacs. The ending was slightly abrupt in my opinion but nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read.
louloubelle's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
p1ppak's review against another edition
3.75
I found particularly interesting the understanding, or beginnings of understanding, class from a child’s perspective
amnesis's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75