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What Members Thought
I was ultimately disappointed by this book. For the first half, I thought it had the potential to be tremendous. I loved the story, I loved the depth of the Jewish cultural references and understanding. I appreciated Michael Chabon's subversion of the detective story genre. But by 2/3 of the way through, the story grew too outlandish and far-fetched. I still enjoyed it, but it is not the 4 or 5-star book it promised to be.
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Man, this book sucks. Entertaining, but sucky.
I would have given this book a higher rating, except that the start was extremely slow. It starts out with an interesting enough premise, but quickly hits a plateau. However, once the story really picks up, at around page 118, you will find it hard to put the book down. Interesting characters, complicated yet cohesive plot, and beautiful language, Chabon is that perfect blend of humor, bitterness and straight-up Jewish neurosis.
An entirely unique concept that presents an intriguing "alternate universe" look into what in our world is the tension in the Middle East. Definitely a Michael Chabon book, and it has the wonderful elements of his writing you'd expect, but it could have done with a more thorough editing.
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After nearly 300 pages I just had to give up on this one. Could not deal with it - don't know why, I've liked Chabon's work in the past, but I couldn't even remember what the central mystery was....
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I'm sad now. I don't have any more Chabon books to read until he writes something new. :/
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May 10, 2007
Ehrrin
marked it as dnf-did-not-finish
started slowly, and then before i knew it it was due back at the library.
May 05, 2007
Adam Maid
marked it as to-read
Jun 25, 2007
teresa
marked it as to-read
Sep 22, 2007
Kim
marked it as to-read
Dec 29, 2007
Shannon
marked it as to-read
Aug 14, 2008
Jen Wheeler
marked it as to-read
Nov 19, 2008
alana
marked it as to-read
Mar 08, 2009
Alison
marked it as to-read
Apr 22, 2009
Sil
marked it as to-read
Sep 05, 2012
Caroline Donahue
marked it as to-read
Sep 18, 2012
Mary
marked it as to-read
Dec 26, 2012
Sophie
marked it as to-read
Jan 10, 2013
Mary
marked it as to-read
Jul 25, 2014
eb
marked it as to-read
