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There are currently 23 member reviews
for Cruel Beautiful World
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Diana C. (Delray Beach, FL)
Storytelling brilliance
I have never read any of Carolyn Leavitt's books, but after reading Cruel Beautiful World, I have a feeling I'll be reading more. I love the author's seamless prose, as if she and the characters are right before you, speaking and living their lives. It's 1969 and the world is seemingly ready to implode with the backdrop of a raging war and social unrest. Woven into this intricate web is the story of two sisters and the responsibilities of life and ultimately the decisions we make. The definition of family is redefined and the final pages are full of emotion and the realization that everything that makes us human also gives us purpose.
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Diane M. (Walden, NY)
Wonderful book
I enjoyed this book so much. It was around the same time I was growing up. The feelings Lucy was going through were familiar because most young girls go through them. I don't want to give away the plot or ending but I highly recommend everyone read this book. You won't want to put it down.
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Kenan R. (Liberty, MO)
Good Read
I enjoyed this book very much. Sometimes I felt the prose was almost too simple for such a dark subject, but I was engaged by the characters and wanted to know more. The simpler style of the author allowed the story to unfold at an excellent pace, and it was a page turner to be sure. This tale of family cobbled together by circumstance and torn apart by the impetuous act of a teenager "in love" was compelling and engaging. The protagonists were very likeable and relatable. The author gave us insight into their character and actions by allowing us to know their back stories - providing us with a larger understanding of them and the world they inhabited. Even though it was essentially the tragic story of a runaway girl, and the fallout of her actions it left me surprisingly hopeful. I felt it was ultimately an uplifting tale of sacrifice, strength, and familial love.
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Cheri S. (Newburgh, IN)
Being Human
Control is an issue that causes most of us great anxiety at one point in time or perhaps, every single day. In Leavitt's creation of the world that includes Charlotte, her younger sister, Lucy, their parents, Iris – the woman who raises them – and each of the secondary characters in Cruel Beautiful World, control is a primary fact of their core issues in life.
I believe Leavitt does an excellent job in conveying that issue in each character and their storyline – something that in today's current writing I find to be sadly lacking and therefore, a great source of disappointment. She is quite adept at going from one character to another, creating a consistent thread that weaves a seamless connection between the varied characters' scenarios and action without losing the focal point of the main plot.
She knows how to control the development of a novel without making is pedantic or a garbled mess – and I love that about this book! The story is a powerful one that grasps your heartstrings without you even being aware – a magical moment is made when that realization hits you.
Charlotte Gold discovers this powerful truth through her journey "Control wasn't freedom. It didn't protect anyone, not you nor the ones you loved and if anything, it kept you from living."
Carolyn Leavitt leads you through that process and opens up your heart and mind to discovering your own beliefs in this moving story of self-discovery of what is your own Cruel Beautiful World.
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Liz B. (Fairview, TX)
Cruel Beautiful World
This novel has great potential to be more of a psychological thriller but the story line is kept too shallow for that to happen. The plot is interesting and keeps the reader turning pages. I would have liked more insight into what different characters were thinking throughout the story. Would also love to know what happened to the characters after the novel ends. It has good potential, just scratches the surface of this phenomenon in American culture.
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Jennifer G. (Arlington, VA)
A story true to the time/place while exploring the timeless mysteries of relationships
Caroline Leavitt's novel is spot on in its portrayal of the 1970s and the mood of that era. The characters' relationships set in that world are wonderful studies of the timeless ways people experience and express love; for good and for ill. Realistic and truthful portrayals. A great read!
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Madeline (Florida)
Cruel Beautiful World
Layered and complicated, this novel draws readers in and keeps them there as characters' dreams die and secrets unfold. The pacing in the last half of the book slows down, though, leaving the last chunk of pages feeling like an overly long wrap-up. The language is absolutely lovely, enhancing the story rather than distracting from it.
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