tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26412800.post3622360807556885925..comments2023-08-07T10:12:10.151-05:00Comments on According to e...: Book Review: Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey NiffeneggerErika (aka "e")http://www.blogger.com/profile/17051946388926947935noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26412800.post-62829751261726702832011-06-30T15:05:23.438-05:002011-06-30T15:05:23.438-05:00I agree whole-heartedly with your review; I wanted...I agree whole-heartedly with your review; I wanted so much to love this book because I loved TTW; and although I read the whole thing pretty quickly and with gusto, there was not one character that I liked, or I related to... and in fact, I finished pretty disgusted by the three "main" characters (twins and aunt) in general. that being said, in a weird way, I still do <i>like</i> the book... i couldn't put it down when I was reading it, and i wanted to know what happened to the characters... so i guess that means something. plus, it ignited a bit of a fascination with highgate cemetary (i love cemetaries anyway-- not in a morbid way, but in a historical way). so i guess then, i did like it?maikibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251305508600098554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26412800.post-83615797631482994352011-05-26T10:57:34.606-05:002011-05-26T10:57:34.606-05:00E -
Completely agree with your assessment. I act...E - <br /><br />Completely agree with your assessment. I actually read the book in one sitting recently (on a long layover), which was an interesting experience. Very much unlike TTTW, I wasn't particularly invested in any of the characters here. They were cool and quirky, but I sort of didn't care what happened to any of them. I don't tolerate laziness too well, and kept wanting the girls to DO SOMETHING. Actually, I would have loved to hear more about Martin and how finally going into the outside world worked out for him. Also, the ending was too creepy for me (in a NOT good way). <br /><br />Thanks for the review! Since we share an equally (crazy) high level of love for all things Lost, I trust you on most else. <br /><br />Rrebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00967390780461758355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26412800.post-60028287866945463992011-05-13T18:07:58.274-05:002011-05-13T18:07:58.274-05:00Oh, TTTW is also one of my very favorite books! I ...Oh, TTTW is also one of my very favorite books! I will have to read this. Thanks for the review.Life Is A Road Triphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16016879226581346566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26412800.post-30485072035380698892011-05-13T16:40:13.273-05:002011-05-13T16:40:13.273-05:00Erika,
The Time Traveler's Wife is one of my f...Erika,<br />The Time Traveler's Wife is one of my favorite books - in the top 5 if you count the entire Harry Potter series as one. :) Anyway, I went out and bought Her Fearful Symmetry right after it was released. I couldn't wait to read AN's newest novel, and of course I had high expectations since TTTW was so good.<br /><br />I think you pretty much summed up my feelings that none of the characters were particularly likeable - except maybe Martin. I did enjoy his quirkiness. I loved being intrigued by the Big Secret and eerie quality of the story. The final reveal about the twins' true mother is a nice twist. It's been awhile, so I can't remember if I was shocked or if it was predictable for me. When I first finished, I was disappointed about the ending with Robert leaving Elspeth. But after I let it soak in some, I decided Elspeth got exactly what she deserved. She was so selfish and manipulative. <br /><br />Now that it's been a couple years, I think HFS is worth reading and definitely has some interesting discussion points. It's a good book club book.<br /><br />P.S. Have you read The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield? The writing is excellent and it has the same eerie feel that HFS does. But the ending is much more satisfying. :)Krystalhttp://www.twitter.com/knwhittennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26412800.post-4994482480234314892011-05-13T16:39:16.426-05:002011-05-13T16:39:16.426-05:00I love that alternate cover you found! Way better ...I love that alternate cover you found! Way better than the hardcover or the paperback that you featured. Those covers don't really GO with the book to me -- at all.<br /><br />I agree that I didn't connect with the characters in the same way as TTTW, but this is a book that I find myself continuing to think about.<br /><br />And Yikes -- $5 mill????Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03789250398792504412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26412800.post-47877051135443825432011-05-13T16:03:17.116-05:002011-05-13T16:03:17.116-05:00Erika -
Like you, I LOVE TTTW by Audrey Neffenege...Erika -<br /><br />Like you, I LOVE TTTW by Audrey Neffeneger! It was an amazing book, and it totally made sense when you figured out the "Time Travelling Disorder" that Henry was afflicted with. It was heart-breaking and exhilarating all at the same time, because you bought into it all, and went right along with all the meetings with Claire as a child - a situation that could in all reality, be downright creepy when you think about it!<br /><br />HFS was different in a good way. The story was intriguing and original, and, again, caused one, as a reader, to let reality fly out the window so ghosts in drawers were acceptable. :) The characters were well fleshed out, and easy to like or hate, and maybe I'm just naive or something, but I was surprised at the way it all turned out, and don't remember feeling let down at all. In fact, as I was reading, I would relate parts of it to my husband and son, and they got to where they wanted to know what was going on when they saw me pick it up. :) <br /><br />Great review, and so amazing that you got to meet Audrey, and the note she wrote to you is priceless! Congrats on your success!<br /><br />CJHCarla Haysnoreply@blogger.com