I just finished Only Killers and Thieves, and I’m heartbroken to be at the end. I was hesitant to read it, because it's clear by reading the descriptiI just finished Only Killers and Thieves, and I’m heartbroken to be at the end. I was hesitant to read it, because it's clear by reading the description that this wild west saga set in 19th century Queensland will be violent & cruel which is not my favorite.
Even though there is brutality which is painful to read, this is a gorgeous story. I was especially impressed by how convincingly the different characters were written.
Tommy is a teenager searching for himself and a place to belong in terrible circumstances, and I was completely wrapped up in his story. Even though his experiences ripped my heart out, there was so much beauty is his perspective even in hellish circumstances.
Noone is a tremendously complex villain, and he added depth because even though he was full of violence and his actions were disgusting, he saw through everyone and knew what motivated them and I couldn’t help respecting him in some kind of twisted way.
A perfect ending is so rare. Often a good book ends up disappointing by the end, but this bittersweet end was perfect in my opinion, and I read the last paragraph several times. I loved this book. It goes on my favorites shelf.
Somehow this book managed to wrench my heart out and put it back together beautifully!
In an interview with the Paris Review, Diaz was asked what partsSomehow this book managed to wrench my heart out and put it back together beautifully!
In an interview with the Paris Review, Diaz was asked what parts of writing this novel he found particularly challenging. He replied, "How do you write about emptiness?" He is referring to the fact that the protagonist is alone for most of the book, and he was trying to convey this desolation and solitude while moving the narrative forward at the same time. He has achieved this spectacularly in my opinion. Somehow you feel the emptiness along the way but are left with a sense of completeness at the end. Here is a link to the interview:
At times the desolation and futility were coming off the page for me, but there was such beauty in it. This is such a compelling book, and I know I will remember it for a long time (which is high praise for me!)
"It was dead quiet in his mind. He rarely thought of anything that was not at hand. Years vanished under a weightless present.
Through countless frosts and thaws, he walked in circles wider than nations.
This is such a wonderful book that my words could never do it justice. The reflections on time, memories and his grandmother are beautifully written aThis is such a wonderful book that my words could never do it justice. The reflections on time, memories and his grandmother are beautifully written and almost poetic. I would love to know how much of this book is autobiography. The main character's trajectory seems to closely line up with what I have read about the author, but I would love to know if these are true memories of his grandmother. One of my favorite books....more
Marcus Conway reflects on his life and his family while sitting at his kitchen table, all while feeling that something is not quite right about this dMarcus Conway reflects on his life and his family while sitting at his kitchen table, all while feeling that something is not quite right about this day. His memories of a life well lived couldn't be more beautiful and are both haunting and hopeful.
Even though the book is one sentence, it is broken up in paragraphs and he even occasionally gives us a comma to help us along. I thought that using one sentence was effective in giving us this sense of reflection and recollection, almost an otherworldliness.
I loved this book and would love to see it win the Man Booker!...more
I have never read anything like this before, and I loved it!
The entire story takes place the night that Lincoln's son Willie is laid to rest. The narI have never read anything like this before, and I loved it!
The entire story takes place the night that Lincoln's son Willie is laid to rest. The narrators are some very entertaining ghosts (sounds odd but it works so well) and the story is supplemented with relevant & interesting historical snippets. The format is so creative that I'd have to say it is truly a work of art.
I was hesitant to read this at first, because a book about the loss of a child sounds sad and soul crushing. This book, however, is about hope & possibility and how the choices we make shape our lives.
It is an understatement to say that it is beautifully written & moving. I don't want to spoil any of the passages for you by including them here, and my humble thoughts can't do the book justice. You need to experience it for yourself! (available on Netgalley!)...more
I was hesitant to read this book, because the subject matter is so disturbing and heart wrenching, but I am so glad I did. Her prose is truly lyrical I was hesitant to read this book, because the subject matter is so disturbing and heart wrenching, but I am so glad I did. Her prose is truly lyrical (oh - to have such talent!) and while the subject matter is grim, hope runs through the pages rather than pain. I was amazed how she managed to tell the story of things we would all rather forget yet keep me distanced enough to not be sobbing on the floor. Such an amazing work of art! Unforgettable. ...more
So many times when I read a second book by an author whose previous book I have loved, I am somewhat disappointed because it cannot live up to my unreSo many times when I read a second book by an author whose previous book I have loved, I am somewhat disappointed because it cannot live up to my unreasonable expectations. I doubted Anthony Marra could write another book as powerful as Constellations, but I was thrilled to be wrong. Another powerful moving book!! ...more
I loved these three books. I may have to learn Italian bc otherwise I have to wait until September for the fourth book. The story builds, so I would rI loved these three books. I may have to learn Italian bc otherwise I have to wait until September for the fourth book. The story builds, so I would recommend beginning with the first book, but don't let the strange choice of covers deter you. These books are not fluffy soft stories about friendship but rather powerful and simmering. ...more
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