We all liked this book which also provoked a 5* discussion. Some
thought it too long and we had a big debate was whether you need the author to
explain what a book is about or is that down to the clever reader. There were spume
differences of view about characterisation but we all found something of great resonance
for us individually, professionally and/or personally.
Chris B Liked the characterisation, felt we got to know the main
characters very well and minor characters were well described. Got brilliantly
inside the head of a young teenage boy undergoing such terrible events and
maintained a strong tension in what was going to happen next. Great
descriptions of some of the major events. Does it need to be so long?
Chris W didn’t want to read it because described so
many people on the take, horrible characters but became very drawn in. Too
long. Where was it going in parts? Some descriptions too long e.g. with Boris. Picks
up pace back in NY. Good at portrayal e.g. of drug scene.
Steve enjoyed the writing, description of bomb, Theo’s
reaction, holds on to the picture as a representation of his life before.
Empathised with kid. Places conjured up so well e.g. thunderstorm in NY, sand
and heat in Vegas. Two characters described at length and not enough of the
others e.g. Hobie. Complicated themes e.g. who is the good guy? Not who you
might expect i.e. Boris. Skipped bits because description is too long. End is
good event but last ten pages self serving, don't have to explain what book is
about. Curates egg and a roller coaster.
Rob agreed with Steve. Lovely beautiful writing style. 2 quibbles
with Steve. Felt Hobie was reasonably well drawn. Not too long. Had to read it
quickly to finish and didn't want to. Big quibble: liked ending. Didn't like
cops and robbers bit nearer the end. Didn't think it was realistic to be in
hotel for so long without incurring suspicion. Liked ideas, concepts and life
comments and found end helpful in that regard. Fleeting things that happen and
which have a great impact on our lives which the Goldfinch represents. Reality
and boring NY Barbours life vs. zingy things that we don't tend to do
represented by Boris.
Richard Great great book. Don't agree with criticism of length.
Went into depth especially with Theo. Captured his growth and development
though he didn't grow so much because of the trauma. How longstanding the
effect of trauma is. Loved writing, occasionally went on a bit e.g. aftermath
of explosion but could see why she did this as a description of PTSD. Opening
sentences really hooked me in.
Mark T agrees. Reminded me of the Magus and Great Expectations my
two favourite books. Like obsession with Pippa. Very resonant. Drug phase fine,
went on a bit. Sadness, empty flat. Loved Pippa relationship. Also very
resonant: “Can no more forget her than an aching tooth”,
Theo buys novel Pippa mentions. Will they get together? Barber family well
described. Last pages profound. Deep resonance.
Mark Th not perfect, bit immature e.g. explaining at end. Writing
brill. Character description e.g. Mrs Barbour, Andy. Some characters too
limited In description. Still very entertaining. Drug taking is tedious and
shows that it is. Some parts tedious e.g. Boris near end. Not perfect.
Debate about whether she should have told us what book is about
at the end. Condescending. Notes for a book group. R liked the fact she
explained this. Books don't have to be difficult. Diary only mentioned at the
end (seems inconsistent. For Rob it
increased the value of book. Intellectual arrogance to say it is up to you.
Might have been better as a writer’s note?
Echoes of Russian literature, following a person through life. Very
good description of needing a key person in your life: importance of Hobie to
Theo.
