Review: The Goldfinch

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

So, I finished it.

Have you ever gotten to a point where you are just kinda hate-reading something? I mean you don't like it, but you feel you have to get through it for some reason: This Book.

O' This Book.

I didn't hate ALL of it. I mean I even liked a few characters, Hobie, Andy, Boris (sometimes). So why did I get to a hate read feeling? It felt like literary drugs. (Which is almost funny cause there is a LOT of drug taking in this book. ) What I mean by that is the author does everything to make sure you are just gonna read a little more. I dont mind being manipulated in a such a manner if I am really engaged in the content. I was not. The sections (sure, I will call it that) were short, and encouraged the mentality of Just one more. The opening is set up with a frame work that makes the reader know enough of the characters future to be "worried" I guess. I am all for a fun framing device or a exciting opening, but it seemed so formulaic.

References seemed to happen a decent amount, also something I am Not entirely opposed to. I like the feeling of "Oh I know that thing!" I am not immune to that type of charm. But many of these seemed to be thrown about just to entice that or worse "look how smart I am, and how smart you are reader." I felt the references did little for the atmosphere, characterization, plot, etc and seemed to be thrown in most of the time. There were a few that were in poignant points, but over-all felt like just more tactics for tactic sake.

Overall I felt it trite/cliche even, and seemingly full of self-importance. But, I finished it.

So I supposed I was entertained enough, even if a good portion of my reading time included a lot of Sighs, "get on with it," "I don't carrrreee," and 'WHYS."

A lot of people love this book, and I am happy for them. I am not one of them, and I will be glad to give it to my used book store. May the next reader like it more than me.

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