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February Group Read (2016)- The Luminaries
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message 51:
by
Kay
(new)
Feb 13, 2016 05:43PM
OK, finally finished this novel tonight and after my initial annoyance over the writing style, I have to say I quite liked this book. The story was very slow at the beginning, and could have used some trimming, but once we got going, I was invested in unraveling the mystery. Looking forward to discussing specific parts of the story once people are done reading.
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Only on page 171 so far! I think it's taking me a while to get through it due to its density, lots of characters to place in quite a complicated structure. But I'm actually really enjoying what I've read so far, hopefully I'll manage to finish it by the end of the month!
I finished the book last weekend and I must say I really enjoyed it! I also found the beginning was a little confusing but the end of part one did the book a lot of good! I look forward to the discussions once we have all finished it.
Charlie wrote: "I finished the book last weekend and I must say I really enjoyed it! I also found the beginning was a little confusing but the end of part one did the book a lot of good! I look forward to the di..."
Charlie - yes, I also found the beginning a bit confusing, even on what was my second read. I used the spoiler heavy summary link I posted earlier to help me go back and review some parts as it was quicker than re-reading the book! But, it's like a long, long set up and then the pace really picks up. By the time you get to the end, you are pretty much out of breath. At least, that's how it felt for me.
I wish the chapters were less chunky--I never know when to put the book down! I agree with you guys that the density has been tough to get through. I would be surprised if I finished it by the end of the month, honestly! :/
I think she uses some mathematical thing (maybe astrology-related again) to decide the length of the chapters. The second chapter is half the first, the third is half the second, and so on. It is one of these literary devices (like her telling a story within a story in the entire first half), that I find gimmicky and off-putting. I felt like it was getting in the way of the story, a story which I actually really enjoyed.
I am on page 300 and I am really really enjoying it! It is surprisingly a very fast read for me, but I think I will reread it at some point in the future to pick up on more details, right now the plot makes me read fast! It is so exiting and well-written. I will also look into the astrology side of it after I've read the book. I think, reading a physical book helps a lot because often had to glance at the characters list at first, but by now I got quite familiar with them. It sometimes gets a bit confusing when we jump back and forth with time and place, but I like slowly discovering more and more about the characters. I feel there is just enough information to keep me engrossed without reveling too much.
Just reached the end of part one at page 360, oh my goodness it's getting so good! This end of this section also really helped bring the whole story together I thought, would definitely suggest anyone struggling to get into it to try and get to this point in the book. The pace has also increased a lot now, actually flying through it!
Making progress and loving it so far. Right up my alley. Slow and steady but still a page turner.
I agree, just finished part one and am feeling like the story is coming together and speeding up. It was worth the slow progress and confusion, or so it seems!
And thanks for the link to the chapter summary Neil! I have used this quite a few times to recap and refresh my memory. As I don't often get large chunks of time to read I have to dip in and out and the summaries helped me keep on track through part one
I'm a little more than half way also, and finding the story is starting to make a little more sense. The first part was a little confusing, but now I am starting to enjoy it. A few people from work etc have asked how i'm going with this book - all i can tell them so far is - it's not for the faint hearted!
Hi everyone, I have finally finished, and agree with the general consensus that the astrological aspects didn't really do much for the story. I skimmed over them for the most part.I did read the post put up about the authors thoughts on the astrological side of the book - but I just don't think it was really needed. At over 800 pages, while a fantastic read, I'm sure that a little skilful editing could have been employed.
Having said that I did give it 5/5 stars, as I said it was a fantastic read :)
I realize I'm commenting late in the game, but I couldn't get my hands on a copy of The Luminaries until the first part of March. grrr.I'm more than half way through and am really enjoying it. What a mixed-up cast of characters, all watching out for themselves and keeping an eye out for that "other one."
Can't wait to finish it!
Paula wrote: "I realize I'm commenting late in the game, but I couldn't get my hands on a copy of The Luminaries until the first part of March. grrr.I'm more than half way through and am really enjoying it. Wh..."
I didn't start late, but I did just finish. I really did enjoy this one!
It was an enormous book, but a great read :)
