The Last Magician: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorite books
Review: I bought this book as a mass market paperback - I am not even sure why it was in the bookstore, since I'd never heard of the author before - and have read it at least a dozen times. A few other reviewers said it was confusing, but I found it fascinating. The author presents the story in pieces and readers have to put it together for themselves - that's why it's worth at least a second reading. Also, the book is really more magic-realism than mystery, and people who want a unambiguous ending probably won't like it, as the loose ends in this book trail past the finale. Very much worth reading if you enjoy puzzles and ambiguity.

Rating:
Summary: One of my favorite books
Review: Turner is an engaging writer. She could probably write a recipe that would keep your attention. However, the story she develops here entirely lacks a satisfactory conclusion and the beginning of the book seems more pretentious than challenging. If one knew Lucy as a real person, she'd be frustrating as her story bounces too often to maintain rapt attention. Still, if you've nothing else to read soon, it's not the worst book to spend time reading and there are some interesting viewpoints to be shared with the characters.

Rating:
Summary: Good writing, lackluster story
Review: Turner is an engaging writer. She could probably write a recipe that would keep your attention. However, the story she develops here entirely lacks a satisfactory conclusion and the beginning of the book seems more pretentious than challenging. If one knew Lucy as a real person, she'd be frustrating as her story bounces too often to maintain rapt attention. Still, if you've nothing else to read soon, it's not the worst book to spend time reading and there are some interesting viewpoints to be shared with the characters.

Rating:
Summary: Disturbingly emotional, clings to ones mind...
Review: When I finished this book, I was plagues for weeks afterword by its haunting feeling and amazingly real characters. Thats something that impresses me about Hospital, she writes with such feeling, the characters just would not leave my mind. Sometimes, however, the emotion overtook the evolution of plot, and I must say I was disappointed by the ending. But if you give this one time and are open to it, it will take you on a trip. Masterful prose.