RaveThe Harvard Crimson...unbelievably expansive both in setting and scope ... The brilliance of Shipstead’s storytelling is in her character work. The cast of characters in Great Circle are intricate and complex in their own right — each being deeply flawed and therefore deeply human ... Though the plotlines come second to the character development, Great Circle delves into the gamut of human experience, from romance to war to grief. That being said, there are some parts of this book that drag, and it is a novel that will take time and energy to fully delve into ... this book is deeply satisfying. The sometimes arduous reading culminates in a completely extraordinary ending ... Shipstead’s work is still wildly enchanting, with expertly crafted prose and enchanting imagery ... If a reader is willing to give this novel the time it requires, the story’s universal appeal shines through.
