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A review by samanthawattam
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Taylor Jenkins Reid has become THE author to read in the last few years so I was very curious to know what all the fuss was about and I am sad to say I was very disappointed.
The story begins with Nina Riva hosting a party for friends and family for whom many are approaching a crossroads in their life.
The storyline transects the present day in which the novel is set (1983) and jumps back through the past to 1956 following Nina’s parents’ life and their children growing up.
I was just plain bored far too often - I understand that the character of Nina Riva featured in other novels written by T J Reid and so probably my judgement is impaired by not having read those books. Unfortunately I found I compared the novel to another book I have read ‘This Book Will Save Your Life’ by A M Homes it too was sent in California which I enjoyed so much more - more interesting and intriguing - the characters of whom I wanted to spend more time with here not so much.
I did find it sad the father Mick’s behaviour, a selfish man whose idea of family life was just a fantasy not a reality. Maybe the jumping through time rather than a linear time frame might have helped me to connect more but I don’t think so.
The story begins with Nina Riva hosting a party for friends and family for whom many are approaching a crossroads in their life.
The storyline transects the present day in which the novel is set (1983) and jumps back through the past to 1956 following Nina’s parents’ life and their children growing up.
I was just plain bored far too often - I understand that the character of Nina Riva featured in other novels written by T J Reid and so probably my judgement is impaired by not having read those books. Unfortunately I found I compared the novel to another book I have read ‘This Book Will Save Your Life’ by A M Homes it too was sent in California which I enjoyed so much more - more interesting and intriguing - the characters of whom I wanted to spend more time with here not so much.
I did find it sad the father Mick’s behaviour, a selfish man whose idea of family life was just a fantasy not a reality. Maybe the jumping through time rather than a linear time frame might have helped me to connect more but I don’t think so.