The Absolutist in Around the World in 80 Books

Feb 20, 2014 Nancy rated it it was ok

Shelves: worst-of-2014, great-war, 2014-read

The sensitivities, cadences and idioms of this book are modern, not of a hundred years ago. Conversations are used for exposition of background information the conversants wouldn't mention, because they'd be given. The story is told competently enough, but the author doesn't offer any new insights or twists on a tale oft-told. Having a gay protagonist in itself isn't compelling enough to save this very predictable tale. Yeah, it stinks. ...more

7 likes · Like · see review

Aug 02, 2020 Colleen Chi-Girl rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, france, audiobooks, england, 2020, ww1

It is hard to write a review immediately after finishing this stellar novel. Heartstrings pulling and emotions strong. This is my 3rd or 4th book by John Boyne and it’s not the first time I feel this way at the end of his novels.

3 likes · Like · see review

Mar 17, 2018 Stacey rated it it was amazing

I simply love this author. I have listened to three of his novels...the setting, the curious topics, the rich language, the accent are a perfect marriage for me. He does a wonderful detail job of foreshadowing with teasers, going back and forth in the story seamlessly. There are several common elements in all three: stories of men - things are complicated and controversial.

1 like · Like · see review

Feb 02, 2021 Joanne rated it liked it

Shelves: historicalfiction

It’s 3 stars only because I’m not a fan of war books. But, I also don’t read book blurbs so I didn’t know it was one. Having said that though, the writing is really good and I read it in one day.

Like · see review