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Original poster

The Goldfinch -throwing in the towel

34 replies

BlueLaceAgate · 25/07/2014 14:12

I'm at the engagement party, and I just can't go on. Wish Boris would drag me away....

Usually I persist with books, but I feel I've persisted enough. There's some beautiful writing, but it just goes on too much. So I skim read to the end and now I'm going to rummage through my books and find something else. I had a horrible year last year and comfort-bought books, so there's plenty to choose from.

I feel I've been defeated by The Goldfinch, but in the end, life's too short. It had turned into a chore.

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MsUumellmahaye · 03/08/2014 16:43

Ha, was also just about to Start this thread,im giving up. However just finished'we were liars', really enjoyed that.

HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs · 02/08/2014 19:02

I've only just started but I've lost all enthusiasm now. Thanks for the warning.

HPparent · 02/08/2014 19:02

I bought the audio copy and kept it clamped to my ears on my commute and doing housework etc. it seemed like an ordeal at the time though I did finish. Off to the Mauritshuis in a couple of weeks to see the real painting!

ihaveabookaddiction · 02/08/2014 18:58

I was disappointed. It had moments of brilliance but it needed a really good pruning.

sorryimlateagain · 01/08/2014 17:14

Just started this - it's my book club read. I gave up on the last one (Light Years by James Salter, dreadful book) so really feel I need to finish this one - wish me luck!

Cluelessat30 · 26/07/2014 08:09

See, I just started The Goldfinch, and then Kindle had a sale, so I bought another 4 books, including Apple Tree Yard. which I read a sample of and it's gripped me! Dammit.

BestIsWest · 25/07/2014 23:12

First third great, second third ok, last third zzzzzz.

I liked the Secret History and picked up The Little Friend in a second hand bookshop today. But it has the tiniest writing I've seen outside a Dickens book. I think I'm going to have to download onto my Kindle. My eyes are too old!

Original poster
BlueLaceAgate · 25/07/2014 22:55

*out

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Original poster
BlueLaceAgate · 25/07/2014 22:54

Interesting how many people got about three quarters through before giving up. Just run put of steam.

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BadRoly · 25/07/2014 22:00

I finished it and didn't really 'get' the ending. Like a wigglesrock, I wish I'd given up on it .

AndIFeedEmGunpowder · 25/07/2014 21:53

Oh I loved it! Persevere! The ending is fun.

AtYourCervix · 25/07/2014 21:49

I gave up at 74% just too much hard work for no satisfaction. Such a shame.

wigglesrock · 25/07/2014 21:40

I really disliked it. I struggled with it for about a week, finished it, I'm sorry I didn't give up half way through. I was really disappointed, I wanted to love it Blush

Original poster
BlueLaceAgate · 25/07/2014 18:45

I hated the Barbours except Andy. I did think Theo's dad and Xandra were well drawn characters. Detestable though, I really felt for teenage Theo and Boris.

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Original poster
BlueLaceAgate · 25/07/2014 18:40

Eventually i decided reading a novel needn't be such hard work. It became a bit of a duty and as im not reading for anything but my own pleasure I decided a quick skim to the end would do.
The last 100 pages lost me.
I loved Wolf Hall, so does that promote me to middle-weight?

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watchtower · 25/07/2014 18:35

I took a 2 month hiatus then decided to finish it on holiday.

Was glad I did, but it's really only the last 100 pages that gripped me.

tobiasfunke · 25/07/2014 18:33

Don't bother. It needed a good editor to take a third off it. It bizarrely turns into a bit of a crime caper at the end which seems entirely out of place. I can see why they kept it off The Booker Longlist

MuttonCadet · 25/07/2014 18:33

I keep trying, but it's bloody hard work, I don't care about the characters.

Mind you, I've also given up on Wolfe Hall, found it incredibly dry, so probably just a lightweight here.

Charlieboo30 · 25/07/2014 18:24

Was just about to start a thread like this!

Started it today and put it down after 10 pages. I just want to scream 'get on with it!' The author uses 10 words when 1 will do and it drives me mad. I'm a bit Sad as I really wanted to like it...

Original poster
BlueLaceAgate · 25/07/2014 17:38

Loved the teenage Theo too, all the drugs and drink seemed quite understandable. But his later choices ConfusedI kept telling myself "He's got PTSD". But still...

I liked Boris, not as in "would like him to marry my daughter", more as a survivor.

Quite fancied living at Hobie's, waxing the furniture and listening to the tick tock of the clocks. Did she mention those or is that my imagination?

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MrsSquirrel · 25/07/2014 15:30

I gave up on it. Yes there is some beautiful writing, but I just didn't care about any of the characters.

Just started Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo. Much more fun and still good writing.

Nospringchickendipper · 25/07/2014 15:21

I have read it and agree that at times it does go on a bit but I did enjoy it.

TheNightIsDark · 25/07/2014 15:11

I loved it. The ending was a tad meh though. Haven't read the secret history so buying that next.

7Days · 25/07/2014 15:05

BlueLace - if you still feel like comfort I would recommend the Light Years on your list. Great characterisation and very forgiving and benign towards them.
The Hand that First Held Mine was a good read, but terribly sad in parts. If you're a bit wobblesome regarding motherhood or children I would say avoid.

Your post describes me exactly, except I'm still ploughing on with The Luminaries. I admire it, there's loads to admire, but it's not engaging me. I want floss, but should choose wholesome veg...

deXavia · 25/07/2014 15:00

You're better than me - I keep looking at it on the book case and can't quite summon the will to start. It looks hard work but everyone says it's fabulous. Now this thread has put me off even more....