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erin_andi's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know... 2.5 stars? I feel like I should give this 3 because it's not a BAD book, and it has all the makings of a novel I would really love, but I just couldn't get interested in the characters or the narrative.
katelynwfiesta's review against another edition
2.0
no ranking bc i listened to the audiobook and the voices really bored me but the story was mostly decent.
i originally didn’t rank this, but im coming back to rank it now. this was not It for me. will continue reading lily king’s work because this is the only first of a few that i didn’t enjoy very much. if i were more into history i may have had a different opinion on this, so if thats your thing…
i originally didn’t rank this, but im coming back to rank it now. this was not It for me. will continue reading lily king’s work because this is the only first of a few that i didn’t enjoy very much. if i were more into history i may have had a different opinion on this, so if thats your thing…
jmsmusings's review against another edition
4.0
This was more like 3.5 stars for me but I'd rather round up than down. I listened to this book and I think that helped my enjoyment level since there were all kinds of funky tribe names and places. It was interesting but not one I feel compelled to recommend.
wardwalton15's review against another edition
3.0
Very well written book I enjoyed the discussions of anthropology and it’s ethics as well as the place and use of science itself. Each character feels like their own person bringing their unique perspectives and ideas to the table. I think King did a great job using the natural world to highlight the emotions of the story. Nell is an awesome character and the picture painted of her makes you feel like you’re right there next to here while she’s at work.
nicki_j's review against another edition
3.0
I started listening to this on audiobook but I hardly ever drive anymore and I wanted to finish it, so I switched to regular book. It was confusing at times, especially when listening. I am confused by the author's choice for the ending.
Spoiler
Its no secret that this book is based on Margaret Mead's love triangle, which I read quite a bit about on Wikipeadia. and not just loosely based but super based. Like to the point that Bankson's brothers have the real names (and fates) of their real-name counterparts. Yet, instead of Nell and Bankson getting married, as actually happened, she has crazy psycho Fen kill her on the boat. I just don't understand the point of the revision.lindsaydowty's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Miscarriage
flowersforshelves's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Once you get into it, which honestly was dense with the world of anthropology, you were in. King does a great job of getting you invested in the characters. And her middle and third acts never seem to fail. I went from reading at a bit leisure pace to quickly flipping and flipping my way to the end. If you're someone who's reflective, often asking why and trying to logic through someone's choices, you'll find this book just fine. Often I'd finish a chapter and find myself thinking about it hours later, reaching back to the page I left off on. That's the kind of writing King gives. Some might call this book dull due to the heaviness of the social science, but my brain was alive and well reading this one. A tragic story, but a very plausible one.
k8tiger's review against another edition
5.0
Economically written prose that packs a big punch. This fictionalized version of Margaret Mead's trek to Papua New Guinea with her 2nd husband in the '30s managed to be a philosophical page turner (oxymoron?) that leaves you wondering what will happen to the characters as you simultaneously contemplate how one would act if the artifices of Western civilization were stripped away. Funny, racy, and tragic...definitely not for prudes.