What do readers think of Arcadia by Lauren Groff? Write your own review.

This type of novel is not one which I usually read. I requested a copy as I was (and am) a huge fan of The Monsters of Templeton. (I have history with that area which may have further endeared me to the story.) Having loved her previous book, I approached Arcadia with great anticipation. The story of Bit and the family in the commune reads as both true and imagined. I found the writing beautiful, unexpected and lyrical. The language paints a picture for the story. I was drawn to Bit, who didn't speak as a young child, was small, and appeared to march to a different drummer.

Among a few concerns with the story, I was less than enthralled by the character of Handy. I felt him to be weak and annoying. He was supposed to be the leader of this commune whose inhabitants were largely left to fend for themselves, and in my opinion, did anything but lead. While the writing was indeed lyrical and poetic, I have to say the lack of quotation marks was problematic for me, as a reader.

An interesting read, but no Monsters of Templeton.

This book has received very positive pre-publication reviews (e.g., Publishers Weekly) and the subject (60s, etc.) was appealing to me. However, despite really trying, I personally couldn't get into the story nor did the characters particularly interest me. It was a tough read and not a book I would be inclined to recommend.

I loved Groff's first novel, Monsters of Templeton, so I was excited at the opportunity to reading an advanced copy of Arcadia. While I wasn’t totally disappointed it pales in comparison to her previous book. It doesn’t have a lot of action and is an introspective look at Bit’s life. I also did not like the use the constant present tense used in narration. I did enjoy her descriptions of the community. crazy hippie commune set in the late 1960s and located in Central New York. I felt less connected to and/or interested in Bit.

I was a young married woman with a family in the 60's when communes, "free love" and drugs became the "thing" to do. I think, perhaps, that is one reason why I did not much enjoy Arcadia. I must admit that Gross's prose is quite excellent but it wasn't enough for me.

I felt this book was mediocre at best and would have put it down after 50 pages had I not been committed to reviewing it. The main characters did not engage me at all nor did the descriptions of Arcadia, the Utopian community in NY where Bit and his parents lived. The story jumped 10 years without explanation and I found that frustrating. I would not recommend this book to either of my book groups.

The language in this book is absolutely lovely. Almost every line has a musical, poetic quality and the details and descriptions are both spot-on and unique. The problem, for me, was that I cared more about the writing than the characters and I didn't find the story/plot all that interesting or compelling.

This book could have been fascinating-and some of it is: creating and building a communal life in the sixties, kids of view of that life, some well defined characters. Groff's prose is brilliant in some places yet tedious and mundane in most. The book feels like a first or second draft, especially the first chapters. Recommended only for those who have the stamina to weed through the chaff for the seed.

I really wanted to like this book. I tried very hard to like it. I just couldn't. I didn't like the characters. I didn't like the lack of quotation marks. I didn't like Arcadia house or most of its inhabitants. I found it really irritating that Hannah was depressed (maybe) but you never knew why she acted the way she did. Handy had very few redeeming qualities. Bit was just ...Bit. I detested Helle. The plot wandered so much I lost track of it. The writing DID show that the author knew how to put words together -- often in lyrical and surprising ways. It just wasn't enough to make this a compelling read. I was really hoping for more. I was disappointed. I have a book group with 44 members. I can't think of one of them that would enjoy this book.