Helpful Score: 7
I am someone who loves books and reading. I forced myself to read this one all the way to the end, only because I am determined to give a book a chance. This book was one of the most tedious books I've read in I don't know how long, and that includes my postgrad textbooks! Ms. Willis could easily have tossed about half of this book out and still had a decent plot; how do you spell VERBOSE? Several of the "conversations" were just little rabbit trails that led nowhere plot-wise and could so easily have been eliminated. Another thing that began to get on my last nerve was her constant use of the word "confabulate". If I never hear that word again in this lifetime, it will not be soon enough! My advice: don't waste your valuable point on this book. If you think you must read it, check it out of the library.
Helpful Score: 5
HELLOOOOOO, EDITORS?
This is still another book read recently that sorely needed editing. Does a reader really need repeated tedious references to the intricacies of the hospital's corridors? I got the idea after the initial explanation.
Whenever I'm hit over the head with repeated narrative, I always feel as though this is done simply to pad the text. Are they paid by the word?
I have almost always enjoyed Connie Willis' work. She has interesting concepts and fleshed-out characters. This, unfortunately, cannot be on my recommended list.
This is still another book read recently that sorely needed editing. Does a reader really need repeated tedious references to the intricacies of the hospital's corridors? I got the idea after the initial explanation.
Whenever I'm hit over the head with repeated narrative, I always feel as though this is done simply to pad the text. Are they paid by the word?
I have almost always enjoyed Connie Willis' work. She has interesting concepts and fleshed-out characters. This, unfortunately, cannot be on my recommended list.
Helpful Score: 4
I wish that I had read more of these book reviews before starting Passage! To describe this novel as tedious is generous. It was probably 300 pages longer than necessary. The characters were not well developed, particularly the male lead, Richard. I think that pretty much the only thing that he contributed to the novel was staring at brain scans. My brain started to flatline the further I kept reading. The idea of a novel based around near death experiences is fascinating; unfortunately, Passage does not deliver.
Helpful Score: 2
A serious fantasy (wih some hilarious sequences) with a bittersweet ending about two researchers studying near-death experiences. I recommend reading Spook by Mary Roach first.
Helpful Score: 2
Connie Willis writes science fiction for the (usually) nonscience fiction reader. Her books always raise interesting questions and keep the reader thinking long after the book has been finished. The beginning of this is a bit slow, as she establishes her charecters, setting and situation,describing the researchers, their project and the various problems they must overcome in their day to day work. However, sticking with the book pays off,as Joanna, the main character is pulled deeper and deeper into the project. Willis often ends her books on a slightly melancholy note, and this is no exception. Don't be scared off though, the ending is appropriate to the book and fits better than a ridiculously cheery happy ending would.
