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I loved this book! It took me a little while to finish it, because I've been so busy recently, but overall, this book was a real page turner. I recommend this book.

#BookReview

The book follows Istvan through various stages of his life. He says little more than “yeah” or “okay.” In one sense it‘s easy to read; very short blunt sentences, little in the way of dialogue. In another sense it‘s hard to read; who is Istvan, what is he thinking? Yet of course, this is the point. Definitely a book that benefits reading a review or two as you go along I think. In short - odd and intriguing, glad I read it, glad it‘s finished.

Another Wally Lamb book that breaks the heart from the very first page...

This is why I follow the Women's Prize each year more than any other.

A great story of how simple mistakes can turn into major tragedies. One of the through lines I appreciated most, that hope is always good, but expectations are problematic. An emotional and thoroughly worthwhile journey.

I enjoyed this. As others have said the writing style is paired down and sparse. I think that reflects both the idea of the Eastern European and the Man. This is a character study and can be taken quite philosophically.
It is also a bit depressing! István goes along to get along and that leads to some really unfortunate situations. I really appreciate how Szalay portrayed mental health in aan we would assume avoids it.

I finished this just b4 the prize announcement. I see the merit in the life story of Istzan, a Hungarian immigrant, + found the book v absorbing but I dont know if I actually liked the book. Its a book abt modern masculinity, so he is monosyllabic drawn into sexual relationships and struggles to express his feelings, including significant losses. It certainly is a book to discuss in a time where toxicity of negative male influences is prevalent.

Well. That was depressing.
Very effective writing style, but I have some reservations about the plot. Soft pick.
Can I see why it won the #Booker ? Yes, but I would still have gone with Audition 😂

https://youtu.be/QZkjTuw3Tvw?si=97d1Shc_4_tBKZbE

Thoughts on this year's Booker winner.

Still ill and droopy lol.