francesmthompson's Reviews (976)

It must be nearly twenty years since I read and adored Rachel's Holiday. My fondness for that book made me want to read this one and while the structure was strong and fairly interesting, the characters, plot and dialogue all fell a bit flat for me. I feel Keyes is capable of so much more but she's being forced to comply with post-50 shades rules of romance fiction (eg must include at least one bondage sex scene) and this is a little disappointing.

So frighteningly original, moving and tender... especially for a book published nearly 90 years ago.

I liked this book a lot, but was a little disappointed, or rather saddened, by how it all ended. I suppose it was because the build-up was so natural and still magnetic, pulling me into the pages, but the ending or maybe even the last quarter of the book felt a little flat in comparison. However, I will still be seeking out the author's other two novels because this plus Station Eleven proves what a brilliantly diverse and capable author she is.

Wonderfully entertaining for all the right (excellent writing, astute analysis) and wrong (reveals the horrifying truths behind the collapse of countries' economies) reasons, this book reminded me why Michael Lewis is essential reading for anyone looking for answers and brilliantly told (true) stories behind the financial scandals and disasters of our time.

While nothing much happens and there's not much of an over-arching plot other than a boy growing up at a time of racial segregation, there are many, many observations at play and lessons to be considered... on love, on race, on struggle, on loss, on sense of self and much more. I highlighted more than a few sections because they seemed to very accurately describe some of the world's struggles right now. How sad it is that almost 100 years later we still have such division and prejudice... How poignant and beautiful but also tragic that it takes writers and artists to really paint the picture clearly for us. Thank you Langston Hughes.