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Book Review of The Goldfinch: A Novel

The Goldfinch: A Novel
junie avatar reviewed on + 630 more book reviews


. I just finished this book and heard such raves about it from my friends, I thought something was wrong with me because I really had a big problem with it. I read all the reviews on Goodreads and see I'm not the only one!

Theo, a polite, intelligent young boy of 13 survives a tragic bombing and his adored mother didn't. His life spirals downward afterward, making all the wrong choices as he gets involved with drugs, alcohol, Russian Mafia and art theft.

I read it to the end, always hoping to see a brighter side, but it never happens. I also skimmed a lot, this book was much too long, overly descriptive and too wordy and could have been written in 400 instead of almost 800 pages!

I really wanted to like Theo, but the only character I cared about was Hobie, who took him in when he had no place to go.

After saying all that, the book is probably worthwhile reading and the storyline does pull you in.