Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book and could not stop thinking about it after reading it. It is by no means a perfect book. At times, the author seems prone to flaunting her literary chops for their own sake, not in service to the book. The main characters are unevenly developed. However, there are flashes of real brilliance , especially in the "Furies" part of it. This is a fascinating exploration of a unique marriage, but larger themes can be explored. Are we responsible for our own happiness or at the whim of life's "fates and furies"?
Helpful Score: 1
The author skillfully reveals the layers of the protagonist's stories. However, I did not like the two characters so much. The author puts them forward as such charismatic people but couldn't convey that to me. It is interesting and has alot of twists and turns.
Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't finish this one. Almost halfway through, it just wasn't doing it for me. The story was boring to me. I wasn't getting the point. I decided that there are too many books out there that I will enjoy spending my time reading. On the shelf it goes.
Books that make me think, take on difficult topics, and make me uncomfortable are often the best reads. At some level, Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff book does that. Unfortunately, more than anything though, it makes me want to walk away from its unpleasantness. I am left with an impression of a book that tries too hard to make some philosophical point but, at the end, seems to me a pretentious show. This book is memorable, but, for me, unfortunately in all the wrong ways.
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015/11/fates-and-furies.html
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015/11/fates-and-furies.html
This particular book has three ISBN listed beside it then goes on to denote that the book is a hardback. It is not a hardback. This one; the first number listing is a paperback. Please note.
What a beautiful love story! The language & structure are incandescent, the story & explication brilliant. The Classical symbols & references slightly beyond me, but available with a few Wiki searches. I loved Groff's Arcadia, and was delighted that this received such raves. Really, who needs Franzen when you can have Groff? Long may her accolades accrue. (Thanks to Riverhead & NetGalley for the review copy download to my Nook: I also bought the hardcover for me & my mother-in-law, and will be insisting on it for book group.)
