The Broken Road

The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans

so-so

Major caveat here: if I didn't have a vague idea of how this trilogy ended, I wouldn't be continuing to the next book. At the moment, I deem it worthwhile to continue, because I think having the full story told in this manner will add to the catharsis/emotional impact of the ending. But, from a 'single book' perspective, Evans has made a bold choice in making the entire work background for the narrative 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? that is hinted at continuing in the next book, in the prologue. You know how I feel about cliffhangers. There are multiple timelines, lead up to an important event, flashbacks, and backstory, but you're not only JUST getting the set up, you're getting ALL of the ways life has been shitty for this character. 1d

Robotswithpersonality 3/? When this was pitched to me, I thought my biggest issue would be the mistakes, the choices the main character has made and how they've affected other people, but as it turns out, those pale in comparison to all the horrible things that happened to this character growing up. What makes me so damn sad is how much of the experiences related mirror the life story of so many abused and disadvantaged people. 1d

Robotswithpersonality 4/? It just puts the idea of highlighting one character who found a second chance in a strange fairy tale, chosen one light that I think could be more mocking than escapist to those who've had to deal with real trauma and it's aftermath without that kind of luck. How close do the books as a whole come to the huckster self-help vibes of the sales seminar narrative, live your dreams, change your life, etc? š¤Ø 1d

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Robotswithpersonality 5/? I know this author is famous for Christmas books - do they also follow the 'I have wacked your thumb with a hammer (emotionally upsetting background) now here's a chocolate bar (happy/hopeful ending) now don't you feel grateful and joyful (the ache of endorphins and the thrill of sugar)' formula? 1d

Robotswithpersonality 6/? Skilled emotional manipulation is a cornerstone to a number of different kinds of narratives, but when the story really doesn't have more plot than just everything these people have gone through, it makes the message conveyed that much more crucial, and I worry that I will rate the latter books in this trilogy higher based on how they make me feel, (an accomplishment in itself) even if the story itself is...lacking. 1d

Robotswithpersonality 7/? By which I mean I'm looking for a message that isn't too tired and I'm not sure I've glimpsed it yet, and if you're going to spend nearly 300 pages making me sad, there really should be a damn good reason, beyond life lessons I figured out a decade ago. 1d

Robotswithpersonality 8/? I also admit to being on shaky ground with the amount of God/Bible references - it really does feel like those who are lapsed from a religion are in some ways closer to it or at least never fully separated - and the simple moralizing that always seems to follow in its wake. 1d

Robotswithpersonality 9/? Also feeling a little odd about proposed end goal of the trip - that's a lot of years to suddenly decide on a need to resolve that particular issue - I think a journey for personal growth/redemption/reflection/planning for a different future, without relying on absolution from a particular individual, might be a healthier mindset, but love makes you do the wacky. š¤·š¸¼ā€¨ā™‚ļø¸ 1d

Robotswithpersonality 10/? So given all that, why would I continue? Because a smart reader who recommended this to me started with the third book in the series and then went back, so I still have hopes for where the story goes. And since I read the first book first, why not read the second book, second? Thanks goodness the full trilogy is out, I'd lose my shit if I had to wait after this ending. 1d

Robotswithpersonality 11/11 P.S. I don't know if Evans shares the main character's Mexican heritage or OCD, but that rep is in here.
ā ļø¸suicide, child abuse, racism, racist-based violence/hate crime, assault 1d

7 likes10 comments

KristenDuck

The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans

so-so

This is the story of Charles James who accepts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and finds his way on the path to fortune. But is money always worth it?

I enjoyed the story of how Charles got in to the business and I appreciated the idea.

Overall, it just was not as magical as I had hoped, but it was decent.

66 likes

paulareadsallthetime

The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans

pick

Loving this series.

megnews Me too! 5y

6 likes1 comment

megnews

The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans

#Friyayintro #selfie
1. Reading, going to see a local high school put on ā€The Diary of Anne Frank.ā€¯
2. 5‘4ā€¯
3. 13 years
4. Tagged book and The Book Borrower by Alice Mattison
5. I don‘t take selfies but my daughter took this one of us. ā€Do duck lips mom.ā€¯

howjessicareads

27 likes

Jenken1998

The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans

pick

Finally got off the wait list at my library for this one! āļø¸āļø¸āļø¸āļø¸ excellent moral tale about a man who thinks he has the life he wants.. but does he? I can‘t wait until the second book comes out.

13 likes

RealLifeReading

The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans

#uncannyoctober day 12: #setineasterneurope

Alas, as with so many books I own, these are still unread. Have you read any?
Coincidentally my sister is flying back to Singapore after two weeks in Berlin, Prague and Budapest! She had such a great time!

DGRachel I loved A Gentleman in Moscow! 7y

batsy I've been meaning to read the Fortunes of War. I watched the adaptation with Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh on YouTube, it was brilliant! 7y

emilyhaldi Gentleman in Moscow is beautifully written!! 7y

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Karlamia Gentleman In Moscow is a really lovely read. I enjoyed every minute of it. Fortunes of War has been on my TBR list for a very long time. I just need an extra push to get started on it. 7y

janeycanuck I'll also chime in for A Gentleman in Moscow - loved it!! 7y

Varske Definitely a fan of Fortunes of War. Never got to Bucharest on my Balkan travels, but lived in Athens for two years. The Levant Trilogy was also good, I must reread now I have spent more time in the Middles East

Fortunes of War: The Levant Trilogy

103 likes6 comments

JLively

The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans

pick

I‘m surprised - I liked this book! I picked it up more out of obligation than anything else. Have to know what it‘s about in case someone asks. Instead of giving it a quick scan and then putting it back on the shelf I wound up taking the time to read it. It is a good story with strong characters. There is a simplicity to the story that is refreshing. (FYI, don‘t follow this with a book by Umberto Eco. It takes some adjustment.)

2 likes

lildeb_8

The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans

pick

I love Richard Paul Evans books! His books always make me smile and usually cry - but not this time. Only downside is next book doesn't come out until next yearš¢

6 likes

LonelyReader

The Broken Road: A Novel | Richard Paul Evans

Hey Guys! Richard Paul Evans' new book 'The Broken Road' is out for sale and it's available at a discount on Amazon, BN.com, Books-a-Million and Indie Bound.
Signed copies on BN.com- http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=n9Eyq6&m=K25EK_FwL7CbsG&b=7_N6HGXBKsEajBQbCRQmj...

5 likes

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