Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Rating: 4 stars
Two misfits.
One extraordinary love.Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.
Marden's Review
Sometimes, too much realism in fiction can be overwhelming.
The author is good in portraying the not-handsome boy and the not-hot girl in terms of physical descriptions--and I guess that's the only reason the novel can be described as realistic--but I did not find a way to be identified with these characters, even though they are not perfect (like me!).
Eleanor is a very self-seeking girl. She shows no compassion towards Park, instead she only seeks for passion in their relationship. On the other hand, Park is affectionate. He really cares for her, and their relationship as well.
As you see, I like Park but Eleanor, mmmmm not so much.
But beyond characters, I love the way the author narrates the story. The pace of Park-meets-Eleanor was great. The humor, and the mood was fantastic.
Verdict: Let's keep this book in the fiction section (yes, this goes for those who told me that it was a "very realistic" novel).
The author is good in portraying the not-handsome boy and the not-hot girl in terms of physical descriptions--and I guess that's the only reason the novel can be described as realistic--but I did not find a way to be identified with these characters, even though they are not perfect (like me!).
Eleanor is a very self-seeking girl. She shows no compassion towards Park, instead she only seeks for passion in their relationship. On the other hand, Park is affectionate. He really cares for her, and their relationship as well.
As you see, I like Park but Eleanor, mmmmm not so much.
But beyond characters, I love the way the author narrates the story. The pace of Park-meets-Eleanor was great. The humor, and the mood was fantastic.
Verdict: Let's keep this book in the fiction section (yes, this goes for those who told me that it was a "very realistic" novel).
Lis' Mini-Review.
I enjoyed this book.
I really did. Though, I wasn't the biggest fan of Eleanor & Park.
I really did. Though, I wasn't the biggest fan of Eleanor & Park.
You see, I do find this story realistic, specially the ending, but I had a hard time trying to connect with Eleanor. She wasn't not what I expected and I think that sometimes she didn't deserve Park's love.
What I can tell you is that the writing of this book is gorgeous. I adored the narration and the language, it was almost lyrical and beautiful.
Also, I loved the setting and the world-building (yes, it's in the past years, and it was as my parents told me). The mention of some great songs was also something I'm thankful for.
Eleanor & Park is a great book, a must read if you like the not-so-typical love story. And even if this is not your usual read, I bet you'll enjoy it anyway.
