Robbie Davis

This is the first of Emily St. John Mandel’s works I have read and I’m sure it won’t be the last either. She is an absolute treasure of a writer. Her prose is eloquent but not overly so which made it simple to finish the book quickly despite its somewhat sci-fi themes.

What I ended up not enjoying was that there were many unfleshed out interested ideas and at least a major unresolved question at the end. The answer to one of which was essentially ‘it doesnt matter, a life lived is a life lived’, but it does matter to me, the reader.

My son and I have read the whole series so far, and this one kept him less engaged than the others. I think it’s because the characters were less memorable (Chitchat is his favorite), but it could be because this one was more meandering than the others. Roz seemed to lack direction and that may have also been true of the Author who admits that the book was a tough one to write due to certain literary aspects he wanted the book to contain.

All in all, I think this book, and series, is still great for kids. I would just rank this book the weakest of the seriesso far.

Peter Brown expands the series, in my opinion, by making a much more contemplative and introspective addition where he seemingly attempts to answer the question "what is life?" There is action, joy, grief, suspense, and a satisfying conclusion, all the traits of a great story. My kid loved it.

From my kids perspective (I read it to my 4yo son), it has memorable character, a fun story, and a heartwarming message.

From an my perspective, It was a fun little story. I wasn’t a fan of the descriptive violence or usage of “rifles”, but again it’s meant for kids a little older than mine and it wasn’t out of place in the theme. I also didn’t like the repetitious pattern of 3 used throughout, it felt awkward when reading it aloud.

This was my father’s favorite book. I have a vivid memory of him coming into my bedroom when I was about 6, and my brother 10, years of age insisting that we read it. However, upon seeing the depth of the book, I was immediately intimidated. It was only after my father’s death a couple years ago that I felt compelled to carry out my father’s wish of about three decades prior.

I am very conflicted. As a book it feels very disjointed; one part story, the other part academic, mashed together and related by theme but otherwise seemingly separate. I like both parts independently, but not together.

Additionally, I find Melville’s writing to be redundant, and not in a “oral storytelling tradition” sort of way, but rather in that he used multiple synonyms to describe the same thing. This seems highly inefficient, despite the actual prose being wonderfully poetic.

The characters are incredibly memorable, and well fleshed out. I was connected to each one, my favorite being the kind and loyal cannibal, Queequeg.

I am sure that once I dive deeper into understanding the symbolism and themes present in the book I will grow a deeper appreciation and respect for it, but currently I can not fathom someone reading this for leisure in 2024.