RMac

A comfortable rehash of the series

Revisado: 01-11-25

I now understand the mixed reviews. This 9th book relies of a lot of filler. Our heroes spend hundreds of pages recounting (remembering) the past. Every trauma is relived and much discussed. There just is not much of a current story line. All well and good because it is pleasant to spend time with these beloved characters. Until the final quarter of the book, which seems like it was phoned-in. There is a battle scene when there is a sudden switch to a screen writing approach - instead of prose, like you are reading a tv script.....Claire: (fill in text), then Jamie (fill in text). Strange. From there on the writing is repetitive and basic, not the same quality. It seems quite lazy and disappointing to close a story this way.

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Oh what women do for undeserving men!

Revisado: 11-24-24

The stupidity of the wife/narrator is annoying. The mystery, and it's resolution kept me listening. This melodrama did not age very well, or maybe it did?

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Judgmental, lonely heroine

Revisado: 11-09-24

Lucy Snow is one unlikeable main character. This made it a hard read to get through for me. She is so lonely, yet NEVER tries to make a friend. Instead, the reader is subjected to her judgmental account of others characters. She moralizes, picks apart their religion, behaviors, clothing, etc. She complains of waiting for others to write to her and never seeks to consider making the effort to write to them. Much of this story is about her feeling sorry for herself.

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Least favorite Dickens

Revisado: 07-24-24

It’s a deep dive into crowd mentality – the depravity of man towards his fellow man. Unpleasant reading, perhaps lessons to be learned for our generation. The women are portrayed as objects and highly sexualized. No Betsey Trotwood here.

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Disappointing

Revisado: 05-31-24

After reading, and enjoying, a “Gentleman in Moscow” by the author, I was so disappointed by this story. It’s hard to believe they are written by the same person.
I stayed with the story to the very end , wished that I had not.
This is a simple story, almost like a fable. From the reviews, it’s obvious that the book is loved by many. Just not my cup of tea.

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Reminiscence of the great books from 19 century

Revisado: 05-22-24

Intelligent, charming, witty sophisticated. A fabulous read from beginning to end. Delightful mingling of storytelling and philosophy.

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Satire and Sentiment

Revisado: 03-17-24

Fabulous Dickens tale. So many memorable characters. Three cheers for Dame Durden and Mr. Jarndyce- such fabulous central characters.

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Revisit this classic

Revisado: 02-05-24

With arguably the best opening and closing lines in a novel that were ever written, this classic is timeless. Because I read this book as a teenager (and wasn't moved), I hesitated to revisit it. I was in for a wonderful surprise. With the talented narration the characters sprang to life. The horrors of the French Revolution were hard to bear, but the liveliness of the robust characters keep me engaged and entertained. And, the ending, well, it still brought tears to my eyes.

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Classic Henry James

Revisado: 01-22-24

A thoroughly great book from beginning to end. I was surprised by the Victorian/Gothic component which is reminiscent of Wilkie Collins. Of course, James stay true to himself and his main character by artfully weaving the genres (and cultural elements) together to create one of his best novels.
A particular point of enjoyment was the secondary character of Mrs. Tristram. She's becomes the hero"s confidant. She is a rather bitter woman who is quite the pot-stirrer. Every novel needs one. A life of unfulfilled dreams makes her far from admirable; yet, after concluding the story, against my better nature, I found my own own wishes aligning with hers -but I wouldn't have changed the ending for the world!

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A Cheerful James Story

Revisado: 12-17-23

I had recently read several short stories written by James later in life that dealt thoughtfully about death, dying, and the meaning of life. All very heavy. This charming story was a breath of fresh air. What happens when people of different cultures and "circles" suddenly find themselves together? The characters are deftly written and their crisp dialogue brings the reader right into the room with them. I laughed out loud several times and found myself smiling whenever the spirited and good-natured Felix was present. The contrasts between the Americans and Europeans seemed well-balanced. It's a delightful read.

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