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Jaidee's Reviews > Another Country
Another Country
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2.8 "an overwrought(sometimes maudlin) inter-racial, bisexual New York 1950s literary soap opera" stars !!!
Warm thanx (and apologies) to Spenx and Mirnes who strongly encouraged me to give this a go.
On topical interest, this would be something my soul and heart craved but my reading experience was only fair with a few moments of sublime appreciation.
The biggest issues I had was that I did not believe in the motivations and actions of all the players. They were theatrical, over-the-top and in some ways felt very stereotyped despite the variety of themes of queer love, gender and race relations as well as bohemian artistry. I sometimes enjoyed watching them play their roles but more often I was annoyed by pretension and artifice and adolescent grandstanding. I also did not believe in the narrative and much of the dialogue. The prose was clear and strong but often felt that it was more for show rather than deepening experience or connecting to something I cared about.
Having said that there were three scenes of deep authenticity and beauty that will stay with me for a very long time. These were five star quality and for me elevated the novel to something I am glad I experienced. For those of you that have read the book they are:
1. the initial romance and lovemaking scene between Ida and Vivaldo
2. romantic interlude in France of Eric and Yves
3. Vivaldo's scene of wandering New York and utilizing alcohol and marijuana to escape emotional pain while hanging out with other bohemian types
The majority of the novel was of 2.5 quality but am putting on my 3 star shelf on the strength and authenticity of the abovementioned scenes.
I look forward to trying one more book by this much beloved author.
Warm thanx (and apologies) to Spenx and Mirnes who strongly encouraged me to give this a go.
On topical interest, this would be something my soul and heart craved but my reading experience was only fair with a few moments of sublime appreciation.
The biggest issues I had was that I did not believe in the motivations and actions of all the players. They were theatrical, over-the-top and in some ways felt very stereotyped despite the variety of themes of queer love, gender and race relations as well as bohemian artistry. I sometimes enjoyed watching them play their roles but more often I was annoyed by pretension and artifice and adolescent grandstanding. I also did not believe in the narrative and much of the dialogue. The prose was clear and strong but often felt that it was more for show rather than deepening experience or connecting to something I cared about.
Having said that there were three scenes of deep authenticity and beauty that will stay with me for a very long time. These were five star quality and for me elevated the novel to something I am glad I experienced. For those of you that have read the book they are:
1. the initial romance and lovemaking scene between Ida and Vivaldo
2. romantic interlude in France of Eric and Yves
3. Vivaldo's scene of wandering New York and utilizing alcohol and marijuana to escape emotional pain while hanging out with other bohemian types
The majority of the novel was of 2.5 quality but am putting on my 3 star shelf on the strength and authenticity of the abovementioned scenes.
I look forward to trying one more book by this much beloved author.
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Reading Progress
March 11, 2023
– Shelved
(Other Paperback Edition)
March 11, 2023
– Shelved as:
to-keep-in-mind-...
(Other Paperback Edition)
September 26, 2023
–
Started Reading
September 26, 2023
– Shelved
September 27, 2023
– Shelved as:
on-deck
October 11, 2023
–
2.0%
October 12, 2023
–
4.0%
October 12, 2023
–
5.0%
October 16, 2023
–
8.0%
October 19, 2023
–
9.0%
October 19, 2023
–
14.0%
October 19, 2023
–
15.0%
October 20, 2023
–
18.0%
October 21, 2023
–
20.0%
October 21, 2023
–
24.0%
October 21, 2023
–
25.0%
October 21, 2023
–
28.0%
October 24, 2023
–
29.0%
October 25, 2023
–
31.0%
October 25, 2023
–
32.0%
October 25, 2023
–
36.0%
October 29, 2023
–
37.0%
October 29, 2023
–
38.0%
October 29, 2023
–
41.0%
October 30, 2023
–
42.0%
October 30, 2023
–
44.0%
October 30, 2023
–
46.0%
October 31, 2023
–
47.0%
October 31, 2023
–
49.0%
October 31, 2023
–
52.0%
November 4, 2023
–
54.0%
November 5, 2023
–
56.0%
November 6, 2023
–
58.0%
November 6, 2023
–
60.0%
November 6, 2023
–
61.0%
November 8, 2023
–
63.0%
November 8, 2023
–
64.0%
November 11, 2023
–
65.0%
November 13, 2023
–
67.0%
November 13, 2023
–
68.0%
November 13, 2023
–
69.0%
November 13, 2023
–
70.0%
November 14, 2023
–
73.0%
November 14, 2023
–
74.0%
November 14, 2023
–
76.0%
November 14, 2023
–
78.0%
November 14, 2023
–
80.0%
November 15, 2023
–
81.0%
November 15, 2023
– Shelved as:
three-stars-books
November 15, 2023
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-34 of 34 (34 new)
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Debra
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Nov 16, 2023 07:19AM
Great review, Jaidee!
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Personally, I struggled with Baldwin's IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, though GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN still remains, in my mind, as a rare work of crackling, animated, inspiring language. I suspect that he struggled with character connections/developments, and felt more at ease with narration and setting.
I enjoyed Go Tell It On The Mountain but haven’t tried any other Baldwins yet (Although Beale Street is on my list and Giovanni’s room too!) but it sounds like I should give this one a pass! Wonderful review, J! 🌸
Maybe "Giovanni's Room" will be more to your taste, Jaidee. Important is that you've recognized his talent and as for you not liking this novel that much, it's ok. We can't all like everything. For me, his style won me over and sometimes I'll even ignore novel's faults for that.
You are persistent, Jaidee. Not sure I would give the author another go but good on you. Great review too
Good to know what worked for you and what didn’t, Jaidee. I find reviews of 3-star rated books hard to write, especially when they are recommended by friends. Splendid review.
Oh, it's too bad this veered into drama land for you, Jaidee! I haven't read this Baldwin yet, but I'm planning to since I am a fan of his work. I'm glad you had those few scenes that will stay with you and hope I feel the same about those plus a bit more luck with the rest! :) Great review!
Oh Jaidee, I’m sorry it was a disappointment. This is an author that I have several books on my TBR, but I have been a little intimidated to dive in. A wonderful review.
Debra wrote: "Great review, Jaidee!"Thanx Debra !
Julie wrote: "Personally, I struggled with Baldwin's IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, though GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN still remains, in my mind, as a rare work of crackling, animated, inspiring language. I suspect ..."Thanx kindly Julie...I have added your recommendation.
The settings in this book were awesome but the narration was less so...
Catherine wrote: "I enjoyed Go Tell It On The Mountain but haven’t tried any other Baldwins yet (Although Beale Street is on my list and Giovanni’s room too!) but it sounds like I should give this one a pass! Wonder..."Thank you C....I am glad you seconded Julie's rec !
Mirnes wrote: "Maybe "Giovanni's Room" will be more to your taste, Jaidee. Important is that you've recognized his talent and as for you not liking this novel that much, it's ok. We can't all like everything. For..."Thanks for your gracious response Mirnes...yes I recognize his immense talent through the scenes I mentioned above and I will look forward to Giovannis room....
Jen CAN wrote: "You are persistent, Jaidee. Not sure I would give the author another go but good on you. Great review too"Yes those three wonderful scenes kept me going and hoping and so glad I read this one Jen 🧡🧡
Laysee wrote: "Good to know what worked for you and what didn’t, Jaidee. I find reviews of 3-star rated books hard to write, especially when they are recommended by friends. Splendid review."Always love your kind support Ms. Laysee 💜🐞
Candi wrote: "Oh, it's too bad this veered into drama land for you, Jaidee! I haven't read this Baldwin yet, but I'm planning to since I am a fan of his work. I'm glad you had those few scenes that will stay wit..."You know I loves me an excellent melodrama and this straddled the line but was never in either camp (for me anyways)
The scenes I mentioned in review were definitely excellent romantic drama...the rest not so much 😊
Lorna wrote: "Oh Jaidee, I’m sorry it was a disappointment. This is an author that I have several books on my TBR, but I have been a little intimidated to dive in. A wonderful review."Ty lovely lorna...i am not disapponted really especially with those three beautiful scenes 🐝🤩
2.8?? Love your metric system, Jaidee! And how well you justified your grade. Never having read Baldwin, I'll dare suggest that maybe it was a case of oumoded narrating style. That doesn't diminish an author's merit in my opinion, and obviously in yours, too.
Violeta wrote: "2.8?? Love your metric system, Jaidee! And how well you justified your grade. Never having read Baldwin, I'll dare suggest that maybe it was a case of oumoded narrating style. That doesn't diminish..."Ty Violeta...I would be most interested in your thoughts if you read this book...I will read more by Mr. Baldwin someday ...
I'm glad there were some redeeming features, Jaidee. Great review. 💕📚
Jaidee, I am glad you found a couple of profound and moving scenes in the novel even if you were a little disappointed with the whole. Three scenes of such beauty sound worth the experience. We will be reading If Beale Street could talk in my RL reading club at the moment and I look forward to the discussion.
Sandysbookaday wrote: "I'm glad there were some redeeming features, Jaidee. Great review. 💕📚"Ty Sandy...and amazing features they were 🦋
Ilse wrote: "Jaidee, I am glad you found a couple of profound and moving scenes in the novel even if you were a little disappointed with the whole. Three scenes of such beauty sound worth the experience. We wil..."So nice to have you back Ilse !
Yes those three scenes were exquisite ! I did love the film of the book you were reading so will not prioritize Beale St.
Great and balanced review! And totally fair yea, it is quite theatrical. Glad you enjoyed the Vivaldo scenes though, he was by and large my favorite. I'd be curious to hear what you think if you read another Baldwin, it seems his books can be so hit or miss even with people who are big fans (or at least that seems to be what I've gathered? I've only read two so far but I think I might prefer Giovannis Room to this one). Always a delight to read your thoughts!
s.penkevich wrote: "Great and balanced review! And totally fair yea, it is quite theatrical. Glad you enjoyed the Vivaldo scenes though, he was by and large my favorite. I'd be curious to hear what you think if you re..."Thanx Spenx... our kittys name is Schubert and I have decided that if we ever get another boy kitty we will name him Vivaldo...such a great name....I look forward to read another Baldwin and hope for more five star consistency.
A wonderful Jaidee, I appreciate how you have pointed out the parts you found to be worthy of five stars. It's too bad that the rest of the story didn't quite live up to it.
I remember those 3 scenes vividly, Jaidee, especially the 2nd. So good!
Cheri wrote: "A wonderful Jaidee, I appreciate how you have pointed out the parts you found to be worthy of five stars. It's too bad that the rest of the story didn't quite live up to it."For sure Cheri....an uneven experience made worthwhile by 3 superlative sections...thank you 🐝
Teresa wrote: "I remember those 3 scenes vividly, Jaidee, especially the 2nd. So good!"Teresa...amazing how literature works huh ?
Funny story.....I go for very long walks and for the past several days I replay in my minds cinema....my directed vision of the romance between Eric and Yves...the short film stars Eddie Redmayne as Eric and Troye Sivan as Yves....music by Juliette Greco and Sufjan Stevens....and filmed in small seaside village outside Marseille.
I get so emotional and teary during each extended imagination session.
Jaidee wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Funny story.....I go for very long walks and for the past sever..."I love that, Jaidee. I do similar but without the music and it's when I'm trying to put myself to sleep. (I have trouble sleeping and I've found I can pick up the thread of my "movie" when necessary.)
Amazing how brains work too. :)
Teresa wrote: "Jaidee wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Funny story.....I go for very long walks and for the past sever..."I love that, Jaidee. I do similar but without the music and it's when I'm trying to put myself to ..."
🧡🧡🐙
Jaidee wrote: "s.penkevich wrote: "Great and balanced review! And totally fair yea, it is quite theatrical. Glad you enjoyed the Vivaldo scenes though, he was by and large my favorite. I'd be curious to hear what..."Well mark me down as a strong vote yes for both another cat and naming him Vivaldo! Ha yea, the endless reader quest for the perfect book. I should get back to him as well, I started reading his book on film criticism which is quite good but then lost steam on his fiction.
Hi Spenx,Our old boy is 20 now and in our place here he has made such good friends with a young cat named Tommy who is four. They frolic and cuddle and are such good buddies.
More Baldwin...a tentative yes from me but not for a while.....
A little Vivaldo is in our future but not for a bit
Wonderful review, Jaidee, thanks for telling us the scenes you enjoyed. Also, is Schubert your 20 year old cat? I'm glad he has made friend with Tommy 😁
MarilynW wrote: "Wonderful review, Jaidee, thanks for telling us the scenes you enjoyed. Also, is Schubert your 20 year old cat? I'm glad he has made friend with Tommy 😁"Thanx Marilyn...Schubert is our little grandfather kitty that is still treated like the sweet baby he is...Tommy has been so great with him...opening his paws to him and grooming him and pushing him to exercise and not just purr and eat....they are two peas in a pod and when he is not sleeping with us goes into the basket with Tommy.
