The Barnes & Noble Review
The author of the critically acclaimed historical novel read full description
The author of the critically acclaimed historical novel read full description
reviews
Mar 12, 2009
Danika
rated it: 
I wanted to love this book, esp after recently finishing The Danish Girl (also by the same author and excellent). Instead, it left me wanting a bit). It was epic and spanned a lot of years, characters, etc. I'm not sure what it was that didn't quite work for me. 1 thing is that I never connected with any of the characters. I'd be interested what others think. It's definitely worth a read, but it was missing something for me. Heard it has been compared to East of Eden (which I've never read)- ma
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Jan 12, 2012
John
rated it: 
"Pasadena" is a splendid novel which affirms David Ebershoff's talent for writing great fiction. It is a far different novel than his critically acclaimed - and popular - literary debut "The Danish Girl"; one still worth the time of a devout reader of contemporary fiction. Ebershoff's latest novel is a sprawling epic which covers almost the first half of the 20th Century, focusing on the shattered lives of Linda Stamp, her father Dieter, and the two men she falls in love with
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Aug 21, 2010
Pbwritr
rated it: 
I really enjoyed this book. Quite a saga and the setting is the early 20th century to the mid-20th century in and around Pasadena. It got a little confusing about which war and who had come back from which one with what problems or dreams or friends, as both WWI and WWII are involved here. Extremely quirky characters but all very boldly drawn so you feel you really know Linda Stamp, Bruder, Captain Willis Poore, and many others. The hard-scrabble life on an onion farm, diving for lobsters, w
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Sep 05, 2010
Suze
rated it: 
This is one book I gave up on. I actually don't know why I bought it, as I didn't like 'The Nineteenth Wife' by this author, either!
Too much detail, and a depressing story.
Maybe I should pay attention to my own reviews!
Too much detail, and a depressing story.
Maybe I should pay attention to my own reviews!
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Sep 06, 2011
Vincent
rated it:
Ebershoff’s epic tale of early 20th century California is more than just a love story . It is also a look at how fate steps in to outwit even the most self-determined of characters. In this case the fate of Linda Stamp, a very determined young woman whose life becomes entangled with two very different men who end up manipulating her emotions and her life’s outcome. Besides the book’s love triangle, there is another story important to the book’s themes - the loss of the western frontier. Tyi
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Apr 03, 2009
Muriel
rated it: 
So far this book is not much fun. I suspect this author's first book but the descriptive narrative (particularly regarding the flora and fauna of California - and I am somewhat of a tree hugger) is a bit over the top. Doesn't move as well as subsequent books.
Okay - don't bother with this one. I slugged my way through and found myself delighted every time a character died - you care about absolutely nobody in the book. Also, the botanical references continued completely through th More...
Okay - don't bother with this one. I slugged my way through and found myself delighted every time a character died - you care about absolutely nobody in the book. Also, the botanical references continued completely through th More...
Jun 25, 2008
Tim
rated it:
Great material, but it never quite blossoms.
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Jan 28, 2012
Caitlin
rated it:
"Pasadena" is simply a retelling of "Wuthering Heights" with the names and places changed, which shows zero creativity from the author. Having read "Wuthering Heights," I knew exactly where the plot was going, which took all the interest out of it for me. I found the blatant plot-theft and thinly-veiled imitation (which is completely ignored in the author's acknowledgements, reviews, or synopses) irritating. It was a decent read, but it's really Emily Bronte's story
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Dec 22, 2007
Amy
rated it:
When this novel first came out, it drew a lot of comparisons to East of Eden, which I had just finished and loved. Now, having read both books, I would say the comparison is valid. The story centers around an orange plantation in Pasadena, and takes place mostly during town's heyday of the 1920s, although the it is told in flashbacks from 1945.
There is much drama surrounding the intertwined fates of the owners and a family of onion farmers from a nearby seaside community. The family se More...
There is much drama surrounding the intertwined fates of the owners and a family of onion farmers from a nearby seaside community. The family se More...
Oct 01, 2009
Lydia
rated it:
Wow. What a drag. I kept waiting for the story to pick up and for that moment when I'd be drawn in and it never happened. Instead I felt myself being sucked deeper and deeper into a depression.
I really enjoyed reading The 19th Wife and thought I would enjoy another book by the author, but this one.. it just didn't do it for me.
Not recommended at all unless you enjoy stories about ill-fated love, diseases and the way gossip can ruin a life.
I really enjoyed reading The 19th Wife and thought I would enjoy another book by the author, but this one.. it just didn't do it for me.
Not recommended at all unless you enjoy stories about ill-fated love, diseases and the way gossip can ruin a life.
Oct 21, 2011
Judy
rated it:
Having grown up in the Pasadena area, and moving back here as an adult, I enjoyed reading this book purely for the fact that Mr. Ebershoff did an impressive job of weaving together much of Pasadena's history. Unfortunately, that can not be said for the story or for the characters. The story within a story with Bruder pouring his secrets out to Mr. Blackwood was simply not believable. Mr. Ebershoff wants to create a history that is akin to East of Eden, but sadly, Great American Novel material
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Oct 12, 2011
Pat
rated it:
This novel is set in Pasadena from the early part of the 1900's to the end of World War II, the time of change from remote and rural to highways and developments. Linda Stamp, fishergirl, and Bruder form one thread of the story that is both compelling and laborious (close to 500 pages). Historical research is evident in the detail and changes in the area, as well as the people involved.
Jun 07, 2010
Shelby
rated it:
I always gravitate towards books about Southern California - this was beautifully written and I enjoyed the well-researched descriptions of the landscape. However I didn't find any of the characters too engaging or likeable, but perhaps I wasn't supposed to. This was certainly a sweeping, sad story that caused me to reflect on the concept of one's fate.
Jul 22, 2010
C2
rated it:
Rich story that spans decades following WWII. Historically fun if you've spent time in California or even just watch the Rose Parade every New Year's Day. This book kept me going back to previous chapters to search for clues I missed as the story unravels. A good summer read.
Jul 21, 2010
Linda
rated it:
Lovely story about what life was like back at turn-of-the-cenury (20th) Southern California, when Pasadena was the cultural epicenter and Los Angeles was a mere backwater. Delightful descriptions and heartfelt character renderings.
May 26, 2009
Debbi
rated it:
I read this several years ago and saw David speak at Vroman's. Scenes still pop up in my mind as I drive around Pasadena. It's so deliciously visual and heartbreaking. I can still feel the sweat on the workers in the orange groves.
Sep 08, 2009
Alison
rated it:
A huge sweeping novel of a family that settles in Southern California at a time when it is still undeveloped and vastly different from the East Coast. It is also an ill-fated love story which is the real heart of the novel.
Jun 14, 2009
Anne
rated it:
Beautiful language. Deep, complex, sometimes hateful characters. Hopelessly tragic at points, but always a passionate, tenacious story.
Sigh. I've finished it. So sad and so beautiful.
Sigh. I've finished it. So sad and so beautiful.
Sep 21, 2010
Colleen
rated it:
This book was really good in parts - but overall, it was too descriptive and narative - taking away from the story line. I found it frustrating.
Aug 08, 2009
Stephanie
rated it:
Having lived in southern california I could identify with many of the settings. Loved the story and and the historical insight as well
Jul 17, 2009
Sue
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I liked this book because it give the history and culture of California and Pasadena. 2005
Nov 10, 2010
Liz
rated it:
Pretty good novel, little slow sometimes, but great story and really captures the era.
Nov 19, 2010
Jacqui
rated it:
Beautifully done family saga reminiscent of Steinbeck's works. Very evocative; you can feel the heat, smell the ocean, and visualize the decay of an old Pasadena property.
Sep 27, 2010
Jane
rated it:
Wow - this was a long read. I kept waiting for it to pick up but it never did. I felt Linda Stamp (aka Seiglinda & Lindy) was a whiny character who let her life happen to her; she just reacted to events rather than create the events herself. I have more to say but really I didn't even like it that much to take the time to type it all out.
The only redeeming part of the book was the historical account of Southern California pre-World War II. That was really interesting.
The only redeeming part of the book was the historical account of Southern California pre-World War II. That was really interesting.
Aug 14, 2008
Lauren
rated it:
I read this book a couple of years ago. It's a story of several generations in the first half of the 20th century, taking place in California. I found it to be an epic, engrossing story, and I loved the accurate, historical details he included. On the other hand, my aunt, who loaned me her book, said she couldn't get into it. I was reminded of this book because I read that the author has published a revolving around polygamy. Should be a pretty interesting read.
Feb 17, 2009
Hilary
rated it:
Had some interesting parts, but ultimately was very long and dragged on and on. Everyone spoke about the deep undertones of everything, but they didn't seem all that deep to me and I got annoyed at the characters for the poor decisions they made, or didn't make. Not as good as the other book by Ebershoff that I've read, The Nineteenth Wife, which I actually do recommend.
