I figured this is a way that I can still keep track of what I'm reading and maybe post a sentence or two, without taking the time to write a full review (time and energy are still in short supply for me). I just posted a short review at Goodreads of Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger, if you'd like to hear what I thought of it:
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey NiffeneggerMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Time Traveler's Wife is one of my all-time favorite books, so I was very excited when I heard Audrey Niffenegger had written a second novel.I liked Her Fearful Symmetry and had no trouble finishing it, but I didn't love it the way I loved her first novel. I thought the characters in this book were all pretty strange - there was no one I could really relate to. It's saying something when the most normal character in a book is the one with a mental illness (Martin has severe OCD)! Many of the characters came across as apathetic and lacking in likable characteristics.The story was engaging and kept my interest, though it was different than what I expected. Her view of the afterlife was intriguing. Again, I can't help comparing this novel to The Time Traveler's Wife, which I found more believable and realistic somehow, even though it dealt with time traveling!I was fascinated, however, by the author's difference in approach and would like to hear what was behind it. Her first novel, set in Chicago (where the author currently lives), was 100% American. This novel, though it was published in the US, was written in British English, right down to the slang terms and spellings (I had to ask a UK friend what "digestives" are - they're cookies, oddly enough).So, overall I liked it but felt that it didn't come up to the standard set by The Time Traveler's Wife.
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Hope to see you there!
I never read The Time Travelers Wife, and I did like this book (4/5 STARS) --especially Martin:)
ReplyDeleteGreat review Sue.
Sue -- I haven't read Time Traveler's Wife, but completely agreed with your review. I had a really hard time finding a likable character, which is too bad because overall the premise was a good idea. That Espbeth, I can't believe what she did at the end. Just terrible.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree about Elspeth!
ReplyDeleteDiane & Jess - You have to read The Time Traveler's Wife! Don't be turned off by the time traveling thing - it is at its heart an amazing and well-written love story that sweeps you fully into the story. Seriously, one of my top 10 books of all time! You don't want to miss this one.
Sue
I love The Time Traveler's Wife and was excited to see that Niffenegger and writter another book. But when I read the inside jacket and summaries I was less than interested. The topic just didn't interested. Though I have heard good things. Maybe I need to rethink it. I'm also on Good reads. I will check out your profile and add you as a friend.
ReplyDeleteI am still waiting to read this one-because of the mixed reviews I keep reading, it has not moved up on my tbr pile very quickly!
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing well-
*smiles*
i've never read the times traveller's wife!but already watched the movie *LOL*. i dont know about this book either. i hope i can read both really soon. =)
ReplyDelete