Helpful Score: 18
I had read many good reviews of this book, I was hopeing that I would not be disappointed. I was not - this is an excellent, excellent book. The author is a masterful storyteller, keeping you engrossed the entire time, giving away only a little information at a time, not revealing too much ahead of time. I don't want to say too much, it would give away too much of the story, all I can say is that you must read this book!
Helpful Score: 12
This is a chilling tale, very well written, with a surprise at the end. it's a lot more intense than Bohjalian's other works and maybe shows his progression as an author. I recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 8
What a great novel! I can't say enough about how this book catches you up in the story line so you forget everything you ever knew about The Great Gatsby. I highly suggest you review the Great Gatsby before reading this book by Bohjalian, but it's not really necessary. And the twists and turns you'll follow makes you think you have experienced a double bind, too. Not to be missed if you are looking for great word crafting, mind bending, and/or light mystery.
Helpful Score: 7
This was an insanely awesome book! I COULD NOT put it down until it was completely finished. And even then, I went back through to reread a few parts. I can't even put it into words how good this was - all I can say is "YOU'VE GOTTA READ IT!".
Helpful Score: 6
This is a 10+ on a 1-10 scale--but you MUST read Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatzby" first for context. Laurel Estabrook is a social worker in a homeless shelter, who was severely attacked 7 years ago, while out for a bike ride. After one of her clients dies, she "inherits" a box of photographs, which intrigue her because so many of the settings are places from her past. She grew up in the same neighborhood as the Gatsby house, which appears in the photos, and one picture even appears to be herself on the day she was attacked. She sets out to discover who her client really was and becomes obsessed with the pursuit.
Helpful Score: 6
A perplexing, astonishing book. Bohajlian takes some chances and doesn't disappoint.
Helpful Score: 4
I'm not sure what to think of this book...but it's hard to shake off. The story becomes creepier, slowly and quietly, as you move with Laurel toward the solving of her mystery. An acquaintance with "The Great Gatsby" would be helpful to draw on as you read this book.
Helpful Score: 4
This is a well-written story with a fascinating twist at the end. I read it very quickly, anticipating the ending. Definitely recommended!
Helpful Score: 3
This book was interesting. As I read along, I kept getting distracted by how unbelievable parts of the story are. It all comes together in the end in a somewhat surprising twist. I don't know what to think about this author, I loved one of his books, hated another, and this sort of fell in that in-between place for me. The writing style is intelligent and interesting, but the stories don't all come together for me in the end.
Helpful Score: 2
Very interesting, kept me intrigued the entire book.
I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed it.
Helpful Score: 2
When I was partway through this book I felt like it was literary enough for a book group and page turning enough for a beach read, but the dark ending has me rethinking that assessment. It's a powerful story and raises important social issues (homelessness, violence against women) as well as a more philosophical one (the trust a reader gives a writer). I think it has done what good writing is supposed to do by challenging the reader, but I can't say that I liked the ending, instead feeling somewhat betrayed. The mystery is compelling and I can't wait to discuss it with my book group. I'd hesitate to recommend it to someone who won't have a group with whom to debrief about it.
Helpful Score: 2
I thought this book was brilliantly written. The style seemed kind of dry at first, but then it really drew me in and I had to keep reading to find out the story behind the pictures. If I said any more, I'd ruin it for those who haven't read it - I highly recommend this book!
Helpful Score: 1
This book does not even get one star from me (although I had to rate it something or I could not leave this review). I can't give a proper review without revealing the big "twist" so I will just say this...the plot seemed that it wasn't thought out very well. Horrible writing. It seems Bohjalian took his readers for fool's. At the big reveal ending you will look back and say "now how could that be"?. What a waste of time!!
Helpful Score: 1
This book was engrossing and surprising. I had to read the ending a couple of times just to make sure I understood what I was reading, not because it was hard but because it was such a surprise. Really great read!
Helpful Score: 1
Laura Estabrook is brutally attacked and her life is forever changed. This cat-and-mouse game had me wondering just who is trying to save whom and then the twist at the end changed my entire perception. Now I want to read it again!
Helpful Score: 1
The Double Bind was my first Chris Bohjalian novel i had ever read. I have read alot of books, but to keep this straight and simple...this is the first book that ever truely made my mouth drop open at the ending. It was a stunner. I have long traded this and long wished that i had it still to read again, something i rarely do. I'll never forget it.
Helpful Score: 1
Very good book! You will never expect what happens in the end!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. I think that Bohjalian did a masterful job of bringing together all the elements into one very surprising ending. I obviously am not as perceptive as some of the reviewers - it crept up on me and I was stunned. I was initially apprehensive about the fictionalization of fiction - particularly since it involved one of my favorite books - but I now understand why it was done and why it was necessary. I hate when reviewers give a synopsis of the book for those who read the reviews before reading the book. Suffice it to say, this is a worthwhile read. I am an even more confirmed fan of Chris Bohjalian.
Helpful Score: 1
I picked up this book at a Goodwill,and it sat on the shelf for.months. Last night,I decided to read it. By the second chapter,I knew I was in this book 'til the end.5am,I finished it,all I can say is "WOW". I like the way this man writes,for me,I like the book to build up,and not share it's secrets 'till the end.That being said,I was blown away by the ending.Was I not paying attention/Did I take too much for granted(In my own mind,what I thought Was going to happen?).At any rate I really enjoyed this book,and I look forward to reading another of his. Any suggestions?
Helpful Score: 1
This is a complicated book and the ending takes you by complete surprise, and it's not too often that I feel like that. It will probably be mildly disturbing to those who are not prepared to deal with understanding the aftermath of a sexual attack. Like Alice Sebold's Lucky, it can be raw and tough and brutal in its straightforwardness about how survivors struggle with relationships and other life issues. I am glad I read it, and it make me think about these issues more deeply.
Helpful Score: 1
UGH, I started skimming through the last third of the book to get it finished. I found it tiresome and boring - I just didn't care about the big mystery, and failed to see any motivation driving any of the characters. A total waste of time.
Helpful Score: 1
This is definitely worth reading...the ending is totally surprising. The clues are all there but don't mean anything to the reader because the events are seen through one person's eyes. I'd give it a "whoa" rating.
Helpful Score: 1
What a surprise ending! You're reading along this very well written tale of homelessness, social workers, fully engaged in the main character's tragic past and her efforts to help a client posthumously, and BAM! Very good!
Blah. Maybe I'm just not sophisticated enough, but I did not enjoy this book very much. The ending was the best part and made me consider reading it again to pick up on things I may have missed the first time around. Perhaps one needs to be much more familiar with "The Great Gatsby" to truly appreciate this read by a typically great author.
absolutely loved this book. best one i have read in a very long time. highly recommend.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. It was entertaining to the very end.
I know this book has had great reviews, but I was somewhat disappointed. I thought it moved too slowly. The photographs are great. The ending is almost unexpected, but there are hints here and there. That all having been said, if you like this author you should definitely read this.
I loved this book!! It's a psychological mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I could not put it down.
Don't be fooled by the mild descriptions of violence in the beginning. Even though it is fairly well written, it gets darker and darker and creepier. I have a teenage daughter and I wish I hadn't read it!
The book was interesting, but the ending was seemingly abrupt.
Excellent! I found this book to be delightfully different from Mr. Bohjalian's previous works - different, but ultimately no less intense.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book. Chris Bohjalian is an outstanding storytellar, one of the best authors in circulation. His attention to detail, character development, unique and surprising plot lines, and more make his stories top notch. This story was captivating from beginning to end, and the ending was absolutely not at ALL what I was expecting. His stories are dark, and usually cringe-worthy, but not depressing. I have read several, and am a big fan.
A good book, but a bit slow in parts. Very different than Midwives and nicely constructed overall. Great inter-twining of his story and the Great Gatsby. Overall a good read
An intriguing story of a young woman and the aftermath of a traumatic ordeal. Bohjalian does a great job of writing from a woman's perspective.
Highly original and compellingly readable. This clever book uses the classic novel The Great Gatsby to create something entirely new. A young woman's traumatic experience causes her to seek a new direction in her life. She finds it in the photographs of a homeless man that seem to strangely connect to her life and her past. The novel stands alone, but will be even more interesting if you know Gatsby.
Author uses characters from The Great Gatsby as part of the narrative. This is somewhat interesting. The rest of the story is fairly predictable.
Bohjalian gives thoughtful treatment to complex and delicate issues and has great skill for character developement.
Exciting story with a great plot twist.
Exciting story with a great plot twist.
I thought this was a great book. Fast read, and very clever.
Great story! Loved Bohjalian's Midwives, and this book is just as good. The main character is a very damaged woman. The reader will be engrossed in her quest to unravel a mystery. The ending is mind-blowing! The book also gives the reader great insights into the world of the homeless.
Unexpected twists and turns. Made me want to read it again to catch the clues I apparently missed in the first time through.
I loved this book! It really kept me guessing. I think Chris Bohjalian is a great author. I read what may have been his first book about a house. It was titled Hangman, and I rarely see it listed with his most current, popular books. I enjoyed it though. I don't scare easily; however, I found myself a little creeped out while reading it late at night. Try it too if you ever see it!
Too predictable in parts, too puzzling in others.
Travels from the 1920's to the 21st century.
Travels from the 1920's to the 21st century.
ehhhh......Overall I liked this book. But the ending was brought together to quickly. Would make a good movie. Easy quick read, and it did keep me interested. However I just had to many questions at the end. A little more could have been done as an epilogue.
I really enjoyed the characters of The Great Gatsby being turned into real, live people in this book. I actually found myself questioning whether Fitzgerald's classic novel was based on a true story! Of course, I had to re-read Gatsby after so many years the second I was through with Double Bind. You'll probably want to do the same, so make sure you've got a copy on hand while in possession of this book.
On the negative side... I hate when I'm told ahead of time that a book or movie "has a twist at the end". My mind automatically goes into sleuth-mode and any "surprise" is figured out midway through. Which stinks, because I think the book would have been awesome otherwise. So, I'm sorry for throwing that out there along with a few other reviewers on this page, but the point is to let others know to STOP DOING THAT FROM NOW ON! Yes, M. Night Shaymalan, I'm talking to you.
On the negative side... I hate when I'm told ahead of time that a book or movie "has a twist at the end". My mind automatically goes into sleuth-mode and any "surprise" is figured out midway through. Which stinks, because I think the book would have been awesome otherwise. So, I'm sorry for throwing that out there along with a few other reviewers on this page, but the point is to let others know to STOP DOING THAT FROM NOW ON! Yes, M. Night Shaymalan, I'm talking to you.
Meh . . . really enjoyed the Buffalo Soldier, but this one kind of lost me. Yes, there was a twist at the end, but I kept asking myself in the middle of this book "is this really worth finishing?" Passed my "50 page test" in the beginning, but not by much. I don't know . . . I guess I would give one more of his books a try, but wouldn't necessarily recommend this one. No doubt he's a talented writer, but there were some story lines that just didn't come together for me.
I have very mixed feelings about this book. I quickly became absorbed in the story and finished it in short order -- however, I did not feel rewarded by my effort. I came to care for Laurel and I did not enjoy the [Spoiler Alert!] mental deterioration that she experienced during the course of the novel. The twist at the end was especially unpleasant and I felt empty rather than fulfilled. I reread The Great Gatsby soon afterward and it is a much better book. I cannot recommend The Double Bind.
I really enjoyed this book.The author makes you think twice about the story. I found myself that I had to go back and reread the story.Never saw it comming.A great story about a woman and what she has to go through after having a bike accident,.This writer sure knows how to tell a story.I highly recommend this book I think you wont be sorry.I also enjoyed the pictures of the famous people in the book. some I could recognize some I couldnt.
This book has the most shocking ending I've ever encountered! The main character is completely believable, and the author wove hints but was very clever in misleading the reader to believe something entirely different. I did not see it coming in the least, and was totally unnerved... Great read! D.
A young woman who works in a homeless shelter becomes obsessed with photographs left by a deceased client.
Bohjalian sets up the plot like the table for a fine dinner party and then pulls the tablecloth out from under the reader in an absolutely mind-bending conclusion.
Bohjalian sets up the plot like the table for a fine dinner party and then pulls the tablecloth out from under the reader in an absolutely mind-bending conclusion.
I was totally drawn into this novel about a young women, Laurel, who was nearly raped while out bicycling. Then seven years later she is working at a homeless shelter as a social worker. An older schizophrenic man is taken into the shelter who has a trove of photographs that he had been safeguarding against everything. When he dies, Laurel is tasked with going through the photos and printing out the negatives that were also included so the shelter can possibly raise money by doing a showing of the photos. It turned out that these were of excellent quality and included photos of many celebrities including Eisenhower, Julie Andrews, Chuck Berry, Flip Wilson, and others. Laurel discovers that the man may have been a photographer for Life magazine back in the 50s and 60s. She goes on to pursue the man's identity and why also included in the photos was one of her shortly before the attack on her seven years previously. Also among the photos are some of Laurel's childhood home on Long Island where Jay Gatsby and Daisy lived during the twenties. And why does an older woman who is Daisy's daughter want these photos? What secrets do they hold?
This was a very compelling tale with a very unsettling twist at the end that really took me off guard. The novel also somewhat expands the story of The Great Gatsby which I read not too long ago so the references were relatively clear to me. I would recommend reading Gatsby before this one though. The book also includes several photographs that according to the author had been taken by a once homeless man named Soupy Campbell. These photos became the basis for this novel.
This was a very compelling tale with a very unsettling twist at the end that really took me off guard. The novel also somewhat expands the story of The Great Gatsby which I read not too long ago so the references were relatively clear to me. I would recommend reading Gatsby before this one though. The book also includes several photographs that according to the author had been taken by a once homeless man named Soupy Campbell. These photos became the basis for this novel.
I have never read any of Bohjalians works before. I enjoyed this one and plan to read more of his books. I enjoyed the subject matter of this novel & found myself quite surprised at some of the authours reveals during this story.
I would certainly recommend.
I would certainly recommend.
After reading all the good reviews on this book, I started it with eager anticipation. I have to say, sadly, I was kind of bored with it. Not enough going on - I thought the whole assocation with the Great Gatsby story was weird. The ending was twisted and surprising, but by then I didn't care enough to go back and rethink everything that had happened. I give it 3 stars.
Excellent read! One of his better books. I love books that draw me in. Hard to put down!
i'm sorry to say that this book by an author i usually enjoy did not hold my attention or make me invested in its charachters. i DNF.
This is probably my favorite Chris Bohjalian book. A great look at mental illness-the ending caught me completely off guard. Highly recommended.
