Campbell Andrews’s Reviews > The Great Believers > Status Update

“the way a person could change, and yet you couldn’t let go of your initial conception. How the man who was once perfect for you could become trapped inside a stranger.”

I can’t tell if this is supposed to be love.

This narrative assumes that a young woman of generous spirit would be so beaten and diminished by tragedies she's witnessed that it colors the rest of her life. I do see she's meant to be more specific than typical, but I can't share that assumption.

this incipient affair is interminable

The grace for others' gifts— this is the first truly interesting idea in this book. But one it seems the author is satisfied to note, not explore.

Too many parties, shapeless scenes of socializing. checking one’s phone is not drama

I get the mixup about who slept with who, but I find it hard to believe any of these characters gives a damn days later

I am not sure Ms. Makkai understands how unreliable Fiona is

Typo? It’s not Claire who returned, it’s Fiona