Us: A Novel

I did not want this book to ever end. It was beyond glorious!It was so magnificently written that it felt like a movie playing in my head as I read it, it was so vivid. The author expertly brought the story to life; the characters were so complex and fascinating, oscillating between being flawed, lovable, irritating, boring, interesting, kind, mean, funny, intense - and so on. Without exception, each character was very human, very authentic and very credible.The story was sad, happy, poignant, tough - it traversed the gamut of emotions.A very clever, engrossing read, I really cared about.and identified with the characters.'The Grand Tour' was such a descriptive, evocative gem - I could picture the places the family visited. In my head, I was there with them in Europe!The story was a blend of so much: a love story, family relationships, a travel adventure, the strength and weakness of the human spirit, loss, hope, resilience ... the list goes on.Clever, clever, clever ... the ending was an absolute doozy. Those few words at the end spoke volumes about the essence and character of the protagonist. So much said with so very few words.Utterly, superbly delightful, this was a rich and memorable read.

I downloaded a sample of this book a few months back when I saw it was listed as an Amazon Book of the Month. Recently, the price dropped, and I purchased it to read later. I then read the plot summary and it seemed like my purchase was a mistake. A book about a tour of Europe with a wife that wants to divorce him and a son who dislikes him? Good grief. It sounded like a soap opera.I was totally wrong. This book is very fun. It is well written and the humor is delightfully (and I hate to use this word because Americans use it to describe British humor) droll. The dialogue is perfectly written, and the descriptions of married life are spot-on.If you are a 50-something who has been married for a couple decades, and has a child or two, you will recognize some of yourself, your spouse, and/or a child in the characters.The book never stalls. The story has a few twists and turns that caught me totally off-guard. And the last chapter was a wonderful way to end. (No spoiler here. You'll have to read it.)I'd give this book 4.5 stars, but you can't do that here. Regardless of the rating, I highly recommend this book. I am sure I will read more from this author in the coming years.

I don't need to go into plot line as other reviews have done a good job at providing that. So, here is my reaction to the second novel I have read by David Nicholls:This is basically chick-lit flipped backwards. The story is told from the husband's point of view and it's an evaluation of his relationship with his wife and with his son. It also explores the triangle of the three family members and the alliance between his wife and child which often leaves him the odd-man-out. All this is explored while travelling across Europe as a last trip for the family as his wife had decided to leave him and his son is heading off for college in the fall. The stress of the "vacation" highlights the strains within the marriage as well as the lack of common ground with either of his two other family members.While not a bad novel by any means, I picked it up with fairly high expectations due to it being long listed for the Man Booker Prize and found myself disappointed. It is a novel that has some upsides but seems to work too hard at being quirky and has the underlying flaw of being largely unbelievable. While I did finish it and don't regret the time I spent, it doesn't compel me to search out and ready any other books by this same author. Just "ok".

Oh joy of joys. Us was a wonderful read. This writer manages to be funny, witty and very serious all at once. His characters are fabulously well-drawn. I really believe all of those characters are real people because they are so rounded. I feel I know them, especially the main character from whose point of view the book is written. Even through his eyes, you feel you fully understand the other characters' points of view - despite the fact that the main character clearly didn't understand them at all! Us is the sort of book you wait for and hope for every time you open a new novel. I can't recommend it highly enough, but of course every time I try to recommend it to someone they say 'Oh, I've already read that - isn't it fantastic?' So, if you haven't read it yet - just go for it. Love a good novel? Then I'm 100% you'll love this book.

A feel-good book. Looked forward to each opportunity to read it, knowing I would thoroughly enjoy the experience. So often books on family relationships focus on the dreary aspects of family bickering, looming divorce possibilities, coming-of age-angst. This novel features all those characteristics, but with a quirky, upbeat, witty emphasis. The writing style is clear, concise, and amusing.Douglas and Connie, the man and wife, seem "real" - and a Grand Tour of Europe in an attempt to salvage the marriage and bond with Albie, the 17-YO offspring, doesn't stretch the bounds of credibility. Several scenarios seem unlikely, but, hey, this is a work of fiction and the author can do with the characters as he likes (or possibly the characters can lead the author around by the nose?).Albie is presented as the typical (stereotypical?) teenager. There are good reasons why he has a strained relationship with his dad, but I wish that Nicholls could have given a bit more attention to Albie's personality, thoughts, and goals (if any).I highly recommend any book written by David Nicholls, and put this one at the top of the list. "Us" won't give you profound insights into the meaning of life, but it will raise your spirits and help you realize that family relationships can be dysfunctional and still produce some tender moments. (4-1/2 stars).

The was a fabulous read.

It‘s a great book! That simple.

Low rating as I was shocked to recieve this book in clearly read condition, spine and pages bent. I have it on my kindle and love it so wanted to buy it for a friend (it's a fantastic book, highly recommend!!) So I sent it back and ordered another...the next one arrived in better condition but still clearly second hand. This is not stated anywhere so you would assume you're getting a new book. If this doesnt bother you, get it as the book itself is great, but if it's a gift definitely do not!

Wonderful book, so moving and funny at the same time. Great for a holiday reading!After reading "One day" (one of my all-time favourite books) I had high expectations and this one did not disappoint! Really recommend the mini series as well, very well made!

Personagem principal muito bem construído, com suas angústias , conceitos e ações. O livro se passa em vários países, já que a família sai em viagem e por isso a leitura se torna muito prazerosa. Recomendo!