Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
4 stars
40(40%)
3 stars
31(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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This sequel to Look Homeward, Angel is set in the 1920s.

It details the death of Eugene Gant's father, his subsequent departure from home to teach in New York, and his time traveling in England and France.

The narrative is quite long, and at times, Wolfe can be repetitive. However, it's evident that this repetition is for a poetic effect, not out of contempt for the reader.

Thanks to the author's brutal honesty, which holds no one back, especially himself (as Gant is clearly a self-portrait), the reading experience remains almost uniquely intense.

Moreover, Wolfe's descriptions of people and places are so vivid that it feels as if the reader is right there, experiencing everything firsthand.

Overall, this sequel offers a rich and immersive exploration of Eugene Gant's life and the various stages he goes through during this period.
July 15,2025
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I have this crazy idea that I need the entirety of chapter 97 tattooed on my forehead.

It might sound completely absurd to some, but for me, it holds a special significance. Maybe it's the words within that chapter that have touched my soul in a profound way.

I can envision the intricate lines and letters being etched onto my skin, becoming a permanent part of me.

Every time I look in the mirror, I'll be reminded of the powerful message or story that chapter 97 contains.

People will surely give me strange looks, but I don't care. This tattoo will be a statement, a proclamation of my connection to that particular piece of literature.

It will be a conversation starter, a way for me to share my passion with others.

And even though it might be a painful and somewhat extreme decision, I'm determined to go through with it.

Because in the end, having chapter 97 tattooed on my forehead will be a symbol of my unwavering dedication and love for that book.

July 15,2025
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Like all of us, he had no home.

Home, that warm and familiar place, seemed to be an elusive concept for him.

He was a wanderer, a soul adrift in the vastness of the world.

Wherever great wheels carried him was home.

Whether it was the rumbling trains that took him across continents or the buses that穿梭于 busy cities, those modes of transportation became his temporary abodes.

He found a strange kind of comfort in the motion, in the rhythm of the wheels turning.

It was as if the movement itself was a form of liberation, freeing him from the constraints of a fixed address.

In those moments, he could be anyone, go anywhere, and create his own sense of home in the ever-changing landscapes that passed by his window.

July 15,2025
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Thomas Wolfe is a remarkable writer who predominantly focuses on writing about himself.

His works are deeply intertwined with themes of passion and yearning.

He has a unique writing style where he employs an abundance of words, using them with great passion and yearning.

This allows him to vividly描绘 his inner world and the emotions that drive him.

By delving into his own experiences and feelings, Wolfe creates a connection with the readers, making them feel as if they are a part of his journey.

His use of rich and evocative language adds depth and texture to his writing, making it a truly immersive experience.

Whether it is the passion for love, the yearning for success, or the search for meaning in life, Wolfe's words capture these emotions with great intensity and authenticity.

Overall, his writing is a powerful exploration of the human spirit and a testament to the power of words to convey the deepest of emotions.
July 15,2025
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Penurias, the rise and fall of a writer, is narrated in a monumental way by Grande Wolf.

This story takes us on a journey through the life of a writer who experiences both great success and crushing failure.

We see the writer's early struggles, working hard to get noticed in a competitive field.

Through perseverance and talent, the writer finally achieves recognition and acclaim.

However, as with many things in life, success is not permanent.

The writer faces a series of setbacks that lead to a decline in popularity and financial difficulties.

Despite these challenges, the writer continues to write, driven by a passion for the craft.

Grande Wolf's telling of this story is both powerful and moving, highlighting the joys and sorrows of a writer's life.

It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and continue to pursue our dreams.

July 15,2025
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Drags way too much.

The idea presented here is indeed a lot more interesting than the actual story. It's just a superficial outline where the river is said to represent the protagonist and his personal history.

Interestingly, in every Thomas Wolfe novel, the word time is used so frequently. However, the characters come across as two-dimensional, and the plot is extremely intense to the point where it's hard to believe.

It's almost like imagining William Faulkner on steroids. The story seems to lack the depth and complexity that could have made it truly engaging.

Perhaps with more detailed character development and a more nuanced plot, this interesting idea could have been transformed into a captivating piece of literature.

As it stands now, it's just a skeletal framework that fails to fully realize its potential.

There is a lot of room for improvement to make this story as interesting as the initial concept.

Maybe a rewrite with a focus on fleshing out the characters and toning down the intensity of the plot could turn this into a great piece.

Until then, it remains a somewhat disappointing attempt at bringing an interesting idea to life.

July 15,2025
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And in the nighttime, when the world is plunged into darkness,

amid all the sleeping silence of the earth, haven't we heard the river,

the rich and immortal river, filled with its strange and dark time?

It flows on, unceasing, carrying with it the mysteries of the ages.

Meanwhile, the critical sense had hardly stirred in him at all.

The idea of questioning authority and position had simply not occurred to him.

He was content to accept things as they were, never pausing to wonder if there might be another way.

This piece of writing is like poetry disguised in prose.

It is a work of immense proportion and profound insight,

allowing us to glimpse the hidden depths of the human experience and the natural world.

It makes us stop and think, and perhaps even question our own assumptions and beliefs.

July 15,2025
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I absolutely love this classic gem!

It has a certain charm that is simply irresistible. The moment I laid eyes on it, I was captivated. Its beauty is timeless and it exudes an air of elegance and sophistication.

Every detail of this classic gem is meticulously crafted, showing the精湛的工艺 and artistry of its maker. Whether it's the cut, the color, or the clarity, it is truly a masterpiece.

Holding it in my hand, I can feel its value and significance. It's not just a piece of jewelry, but a symbol of history and culture.

This classic gem has become my most precious possession, and I will cherish it always.
July 15,2025
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I gave this 4 stars instead of 5.

The reason is that it's a dense and slow read. There really isn't a distinct climax to it.

Although the names are changed, it's purely autobiographical.

If you're seeking a page-turner with a captivating plot, this isn't the book for you.

However, the writing is truly GORGEOUS. At times, it can be repetitive.

I had the impression that the author had numerous ways to describe something. And when he couldn't decide which one to use, he simply used all of them.

For example, a description about a boat could be nearly a dozen paragraphs long.

If you can overcome that, the style, the vocabulary, and the use of phrasing are absolutely stunning.

I attempted to view it as a poetic saga, similar to the Iliad. Then I just let myself become absorbed in the narrator's travels.

Take your time, relax, and enjoy!

This book may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate beautiful writing and are willing to invest the time, it can be a rewarding experience.

It offers a unique perspective and allows the reader to immerse themselves in the author's world.

So, if you're up for a different kind of read, give this book a chance.

You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.

July 15,2025
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Good Value

I have a deep affection for Thomas Wolfe. His writing style is indeed long-winded, yet it is not convoluted or cryptic. Instead, he has a unique ability to stretch a story to great lengths. This might seem excessive to some, but for me, it means getting my money's worth. When you hold a book by Thomas Wolfe, it feels substantial, as if you are getting a rich and detailed experience per pound of the book. His words flow like a river, carrying the reader along on a journey that is both engaging and immersive. Despite the length, I never find myself bored or lost in his narratives. Instead, I am drawn in by his vivid descriptions and the depth of his characters. Thomas Wolfe's writing is truly a good value, offering a wealth of literary enjoyment that lasts long after you have finished reading the final page.

July 15,2025
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I would give this book ten stars if I could.

It truly was an amazing piece of work.

The story was captivating from the very beginning, drawing me in and holding my attention until the very end.

The characters were well-developed and felt so real, as if I could reach out and touch them.

The author's writing style was engaging and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read.

Every page was filled with excitement, adventure, and emotion.

I found myself completely immersed in the world that the author had created.

This book is definitely one that I would recommend to anyone looking for a great read.

It has something for everyone, whether you're a fan of mystery, romance, or action.

I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.
July 15,2025
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A Rewarding Read


Wolfe's prose is truly poetic, much like in his other epic novels. The follow-up to Look Homeward Angel, Of Time and the River, continues the captivating story of Eugene Gant, Wolfe's alter-ego. It begins from the moment he leaves Catawba for Harvard. If you have a penchant for literary and mythological allusions, you are bound to love the segment headings. They reference Marlowe's Doctor Faustus, Goethe's Faust, and several Greek myths. As the story progresses, you'll witness Eugene visiting England and France. You'll also observe his intense emotional struggles, especially those with anger and hate. He has an insatiable hunger for life and his reading is truly omnivorous, devouring all kinds of literature. This novel is a rich and engaging exploration of a young man's journey through life, filled with vivid descriptions, deep emotions, and thought-provoking allusions.

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