Reviews

All He Ever Wanted by Anita Shreve

dkelly262's review against another edition

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1.0

I've found that Anita Shreve tends to write dispicable characters. This book is no different. There is not one redeeming quality in any of the characters in this book...from the manipulative and obsessive Nicholas to the self-involved and duplicitous Philip, I just hated them all. I was acutally disappointed that he didn't find her swinging from the chandelier in the cottage. That would have made the story somewhat interesting.

I managed to fight my way through finishing this book but don't think I'll be picking up any more of Ms. Shreve's books anytime soon.

greatexpectations77's review against another edition

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emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was a slog! And kind of the last thing I expected from Anita Shreve, when I ~loved~ The Weight of Water so much. I don't necessarily hate a male protag, but I had a super hard time liking or connecting or engaging with a male protag who cares only about himself and not about his wife's like, happiness. And then to throw everyone in his life under the bus for a job? Ew, gross. I was already done with him before the fucking
sexual assault and the making your child lie about being assaulted.
I felt a little more kindly toward Etna, who could have a comparison to Daisy in The Great Gatsby, since she was really just trying to live a fulfilling life with a husband that she didn't love. I probably would have rated this book lower, but I liked the epistolary section and then things got more intense after that. I don't know what book the blurb-writers on the back cover read, but it surely didn't seem like this one.
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nightstand_reads's review against another edition

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3.0

Long after you are finished, this book that will haunt you with questions and what ifs. Is it possible to be happy with someone knowing that they don't love you? It is possible to love someone too much? How does love and passion turn into a dangerous obsession? What is the difference between love and ownership? And how is it that obsessive love can drive intelligent people to do rash, stupid, unethical and even illegal things (consider the recent case of astronaut Lisa Nowak)? What a nut case!

As always, Shreve writes beautifully with very rich language, though in "All He Ever Wanted", it is in the style of the Victorian era with lots of flourishes and embellishments. Unfortunately, such flowery writing will not appeal to all readers.

I am a big fan of Anita Shreve and will continue reading her work.

curlyln's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book. Much different than many I've read recently. Told from man's perspective in early 1900's era. Very interesting characters, imo. Would love to discuss in a book club forum!

foryouathena's review against another edition

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dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

cathybruce208's review against another edition

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1.0

I just couldn't deal with this book. The voice of the main character was just too priggish and self-centered. He seemed to fall in love with this woman, for no reason, other than that she was available. She doesn't love him, and admits this, but marries him to avoid a distasteful situation. I can sympathize with the woman, I didn't want to spend any more time with the guy either.

crystals_cozy_corner's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

shesnotthere's review against another edition

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3.0

This was an okay book. I wasn't crazy about it, but I didn't hate it either. The main character isn't likable at all, but I don't think that the author wanted him to be likeable. I think Ms. Shreve's point to the book is that people will sacrifice anything for their obsession, whether it be a person, place or just freedom itself. I would have enjoyed the novel more if there had been more of the wife's viewpoint in the book. Those disjointed letters in the middle of the book didn't do her justice. I read the Pilot's Wife and enjoyed that novel. This book, unfortunately, was pretty much forgetable.

sarahel1zab3th's review against another edition

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2.0

Everyone is selfish.

sjdangelo64's review against another edition

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dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Beautifully written. Interesting format for a novel. Not extraordinarily fast-paced but the themes were intriguing enough to make this somewhat of a page-turner: the expectations of marriage during the 20th century, gender roles, when love becomes obsession, pride, etc. I just wish that I got to learn more about Etna’s circumstances before the end of the book. Her story seemed to wrap up rather quickly.