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James's Reviews > The Golden Bowl
The Golden Bowl
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Book Review
It is difficult to give a low review to one of your favorite authors. And I've read this book twice. But it barely changed me upon a second read. Somewhere between a 2 and a 3, this book has many great moments; however, it's also very disconnected, almost as those there are several stories consolidated in a single book with at unmatched effort made to weave them together properly. The language -- great and consistent. The characters -- strong and memorable. The plot -- confused and confusing. The theme and lesson -- uncertain where it is trying to go. If I separated the stories, they'd each get a 3+, but when I look at this as a whole, as characters in a charade, or people in love... it's time period seems inaccurate. I am considering reading this a third time, as it's been a good 15 years since the last read. And I do adore him as a write, but this one was a miss.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
It is difficult to give a low review to one of your favorite authors. And I've read this book twice. But it barely changed me upon a second read. Somewhere between a 2 and a 3, this book has many great moments; however, it's also very disconnected, almost as those there are several stories consolidated in a single book with at unmatched effort made to weave them together properly. The language -- great and consistent. The characters -- strong and memorable. The plot -- confused and confusing. The theme and lesson -- uncertain where it is trying to go. If I separated the stories, they'd each get a 3+, but when I look at this as a whole, as characters in a charade, or people in love... it's time period seems inaccurate. I am considering reading this a third time, as it's been a good 15 years since the last read. And I do adore him as a write, but this one was a miss.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
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The Golden Bowl.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
January 1, 1999
–
Finished Reading
January 7, 2012
– Shelved
March 11, 2017
– Shelved as:
1-fiction
Comments Showing 1-12 of 12 (12 new)
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Paul
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Sep 05, 2016 01:02PM
Not worth it? I think I have this on my shelf somewhere
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I would pick a different Henry James one if that's who you want to read. It was a later work and a bit disconnected.
I have this movie to watch and didn't realize it was a book by Henry James [who I have a serious love/hate relationship with]. 2 Stars doesn't make me want to run and add this to my list....
It was an ok story. I'm sure the movie kicks it up a notch. And depending on who stars in it, you might be ok?
Uma Thurman, Kate Beckinsale, Nick Nolte [REALLY?], Angelica Huston <--SO a really good cast yes?
Yes. Sounds good! Nick Nolte. Haven't heard that name in a while. Ha.
I’ve ore or less given up on ‘The Golden Bowl’. The pace is much too slow for my taste. Maybe it is better as a movie.
Carole, glad we are on the same page. :)
Sorry you didn't enjoy it:( which Henry James' book do you recommend?
Hi, Patricia. Daisy Miller is a great start. Have you ready any of his works? I always feel like that shows his character creation strengths.
Hi, I haven't read Daisy Miller nor any of his works but I'm intrigued to read Henry James' books. Thank you so much for your recommendation, I look forward to read Daisy Miller someday:)
Looking forward to seeing what you think of it!
