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matildazq's review against another edition
2.0
The most enjoyable—and, I think, successful—parts of this are Tarkington's descriptions of urban sprawl, and the inability of the elite to imagine a world that doesn't maintain their privilege. That said, this is an incredibly frustrating read in most other ways. Similar to House of Mirth, the fits-and-starts timeline is aggravating. By the time Georgie meets Lucy at 18 I hated him enough for the lifetimes of all individuals named in Genesis. The supernatural swerve at the very end of the book was eye-rollingly bad, and Tarkington's inability to imagine a world in which his hateful character is not granted unearned mercy make me wish I had a physical copy to throw across the room.
laurenjoy's review against another edition
4.0
This book was really well written. It was the story of the glory of a family, particularly a boy, brought through the shining ages right before the industrial revolution and then brought low, taught humility and the transience of wealth and time. A beautiful story of people holding together as a family and working to do the right thing- in the end.
orrinonken's review against another edition
4.0
This was one of those semi-classics that I had heard of but never read. It shows up on a lot of those 100 greatest American novels, and after reading it, I think it deserves its ranking. The book starts out annoying as the reader meets George Amberson. He is the kind of rich, spoiled, arrogant person everyone loves to hate. And I did hate him. But the world changes around George Amberson and the reader gets to see a changing of the guard in America. The good is good to the last page.
jsimms's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jmoran4's review against another edition
4.0
Very good novel, among the best in the US canon. Welles's film is also very good, of course.
susanhowson's review against another edition
5.0
Now this is an effing BOOK! Hooked me from the very first word.
Reminded me so much of Edith Wharton that I was surprised it wasn't written by a woman. And you know how I love my Wharton.
Funny, poignant, and easily symbolic without being too blunt about it. What a balance. I can't recommend it highly enough. (Also, probably the best audiobook performance I've experienced.)
Reminded me so much of Edith Wharton that I was surprised it wasn't written by a woman. And you know how I love my Wharton.
Funny, poignant, and easily symbolic without being too blunt about it. What a balance. I can't recommend it highly enough. (Also, probably the best audiobook performance I've experienced.)
maryelmccoy's review against another edition
3.0
I do so love a book about an odious child, and like many of the peripheral characters in the book, I eagerly awaited the comeuppance of the truly awful little Georgie Amberson Minifer. While it gets a bit overwrought and cheeseball at the end, it's a pretty delightful read.
wshier's review against another edition
3.0
The story of an aristocratic American family in decline at the turn of the century, particularly focusing on the grandson--who is a huge jerk! I do not think that it is as good as The Age of Innocence, but still excellent.
joryburson's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
It's hard to assess this book from a modern lens, given that it's 100+ years old. I think it's interesting from the viewpoint of one fictional character's struggle to adapt to rapidly changing times for society, which is relatable even today. But the main character is very difficult to sympathize with, as are the individuals around him.