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The Emperor's Children
 

The Emperor's Children

by Claire Messud

The Emperor’s Children is a richly drawn, brilliantly observed novel of fate and fortune—about the intersections in the lives of three friends, now on the cusp of their thirties, making their way--and not-- in New York City. In this tour de force, the celebrated author Claire Messud brings to life a city, a generation, and the way we live in this moment. (read review)

Top tags: fiction,  new york,  contemporary fiction,  9/11,  2007 (all tags)

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Other Reviews

Amazon Reviews (5)
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
Lea Lea
  • Rated 4 stars

“This book got it right. It says exactly what I have thought, and been unable to articulate, about my own generation.”

Lea Lea’s full review »
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Didn’t Like It

3 of 3 members found this review helpful.
Irishrose
  • Rated 1 stars

“What a bunch of pompous rhetoric! I don't know if I just got used to it, but by the end of book I was beginning to think it was getting better. I rather think "tossing" the September 11th tragedy in gave me just the tiny bit of interest I needed to think I may find something likable in at least one character. That wasn't the case however.
I put the book down when I was at about the half way point and read a couple others before finishing it.
The characters were unlovable, unforgiving,...”

Irishrose’s full review »
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Community:
  • Rated 2.916667 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 3.666667 stars
  

Newest Comments

  • Melinda C

    melinda c said:

    “What a pretentious exercise in the attempted glorification of characters all of whom it was impossible for me to get involved with and/or care about. I don't know why I persisted in reading the entire book - kept thinking it would eventually live up to all the laudatory book reviews. Perhaps someone who travels in the circles of these self-indulgent, privileged, lacking in any redeeming assets, and whiney elitiest snobs can find value in reading this highly overrated book. This is not not not a "tour de force" nor was it "brilliantly observed." The author must have friends in the literary world who are book reviewers. Waste of my time! Underwhelming absolutely!”

    posted 8 days ago
  • Kerri W

    kerri w said:

    “Does anyone know any read-a-likes for this book? I'm reading Three Daughters and that might be a good suggestion. Thanks!”

    posted Wednesday, July 9 2008 ( | view 1 reply )
  • jlbrazell

    jlbrazell said:

    “I can't get through it. It's presumptuous in tone and, quite frankly, just underwhelming. I, too, cannot relate to any of the characters - nor would I want to.”

    posted Saturday, May 24 2008 ( | view 1 reply )
  • Dara T

    dara t said:

    “I HATED this book. I cannot fall in love with a book when every single one of the characters is repulsive to me. They had no redeeming qualities. I finished it because I kept thinking it would get better but it never did. I wish I hadn't wasted my money.”

    posted Monday, April 28 2008
  • Yana

    yana said:

    “One of the aspects that I find most remarkable about this book is Messud's use of language and vocabulary. This book clearly can not be classified as an 'easy read' so her decision, or ability to incorporate long drawn out descriptions and inner thoughts of characters, without fear of losing her readers is commendable. ”

    posted Saturday, February 9 2008
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