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Original poster

The Goldfinch - lost my mojo and not sure whether to carry on

32 replies

theforceawakens · 28/05/2015 09:00

I'm up to page 473.

I loved the book until Theo arrived back in New York. Now I'm bored with furniture restoration and descriptions of varnish smells.

Is it worth carrying on or should I just give up? I haven't picked it up in four weeks and need to know whether to consign to the shelf of books I'll never finish or dust it off and give it another crack. Smile

OP posts:
stardusty5 · 28/05/2015 19:29

Another who gave up in Vegas!

Stoneysilence · 28/05/2015 19:23

It gets better...stick with. I can't say much for the final 20 pages but it's an amazing story

Original poster
theforceawakens · 28/05/2015 19:00

I loved the Vegas section! Think that may be the issue...its seems a little dull now we are back to furniture and varnish smells! Preferred his complex relationship with Boris.

OP posts:
southeastdweller · 28/05/2015 18:44

Lots of people on here struggled with the Vegas segment, but personally I loved everything about The Goldfinch. Hope you finish it Smile

Costacoffeeplease · 28/05/2015 09:45

I found the Vegas bit the hardest so I'd say keep going, you're over the worst now Smile

Original poster
theforceawakens · 28/05/2015 09:44

Thanks lala.

I shall have another crack tonight.

I've seen some people say they haven't liked any of the characters but I really like Theo. And I loved Boris so hoping he returns.

Thanks for the pep talk! Smile

OP posts:
lalalonglegs · 28/05/2015 09:24

Ha ha, I don't remember that section being characterised by the smell of varnish (but I've just read Knausgaard's My Struggle which is 500 pages describing over and over again how he makes hot drinks...).

I loved The Goldfinch so this is an unapologetic directive to keep reading. Theo's relationships definitely get more interesting in NY and his bond with Hobie undoes some of the damage inflicted by his own parents (loss of and neglect). It also shows you that he is a pretty morally ambiguous hero (although I still rooted for him all the way through) and makes some terrible decisions - greed? Stupidity? Lack of moral compass?

I will concede the final 100 pages or so are a bit silly but I loved the rest so much I was prepared to forgive.

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